New Liberal Democrat leader, Nick Clegg, as scored his first by-election win. His party took Baughurst, Basingstoke and Deane BC, on a 20.3% swing since 2004. The Conservatives lost overall control of the council as a result. But Liberal Democrats themselves went down to defeat when Labour won at Newton, Sandwell MBC. Further poor results for Tories saw them only just hang on in their Welham Green stronghold at Welwyn Hatfield, and trail in behind the BNP in third place in marginal Labour Ibstock and Heather, North West Leicestershire DC. Overall vote movements suggested only a narrow Tory lead, despite the Government's continuing crises. Last month: Tories defended seats at Cambridgeshire CC, Kennet DC and Welwyn Hatfield BC. Labour gained from Liberal Democrat at Sandwell MBC and held seats at North Lanarkshire Council and North West Leicestershire DC. Liberal Democrats gained from Tory at Basingstoke and Deane BC.
