Lib Dem win in Corfe Mullen By Election

2.43.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 19th Jul 2010

Annette with newly elected Corfe Mullen South Councillor Philip Harknett

Lib Dem candidate Philip Harknett won a resounding victory in the East Dorset District Council by election for Corfe Mullen South ward on Thursday 15th July. The by election had been called after former Councillor Stewart Hearn resigned in protest at the Council's lack of action on a number of core issues, including providing affordable housing in the area.

The result was as follows (results of previous election in brackets):

LibDem 478 (484)

Tory 350 (373)

UKIP 34 (0)

Turnout 40.5% (41%)

Philip Harknett, newly election Councillor for Corfe Mullen South, said: "This is a great result and I would like to thank the people of Corfe Mullen for putting their trust in me. I am looking forward to getting down to business and working hard for this area to demonstrate that they have definitely made the right decision."

Annette Brooke, MP for Mid Dorset & North Poole, commented: "It is great to see such strong continued support for the Liberal Democrats. I have known Philip for many years and know that he will be a real asset to the people of Corfe Mullen."