Park Hill Ward
Candidate | Party | Votes |
Alison Tyler | Liberal Democrats | 670 |
Daphne Harrison | Conservative Party | 623 |
Robert Daniel | Kenilworth Regeneration | 250 |
Maureen Hazelwood | Labour Party | 112 |
Brian Hadland | English Independence | 88 |
Turnout 27.5%
LIB-DEM GAIN FROM CONSERVATIVES
Last years poll was closely contested in Park Hill with four Tories and two Lib-Dems being elected. Indeed, the 4th, 5th and 6th places were seperated by only 6 votes. But it was not that tight this time around.
The by-election was called due to the resignation of Conservative, Dominic Coker, who was elected to the town council last year at his first attempt.
Postal Ballots & Holidays
Having a by-election in mid-August was never going to create a great deal of interest – it was holiday time. Indeed, of the 1,743 people that voted, 633 did so by post. Terrible weather on the day of the election did not help matters either, it chucked it down. All the five polling stations used, were quiet the whole day. Only 27.5% of the electorate excised their right to vote.
Mrs Tyler of Inchbrook Road, who works at Warwickshire College in Leamington, was delighted to have won, especially following last years disappointment. Dave Shilton, leader of the Liberal Democrats on the town council said that it was a great result for us and it shows that people trust us and know that we work hard in Kenilworth. Their campaign also saw former councillor and town Mayor, Jack Bastock come out of ‘retirement’ to canvass in the ward, this was despite a recent knee operation.
Tory candidate, Mrs Harrison, who was a town councillor 10 years ago but gave-up due to work commitments said; “Of course I am disappointed, it was a good campaign and people were very supportive on the doorstep”. But it was not all bad news for the Tories as they still have an overall majority on the council of 5 seats.
Kenilworth Town Councillors
11 Conservatives (M. Coker, A. Cockburn, S. Harrison, F. Bunker, P. Edwards, R. Davies, N. Vincent, G. Windybank, U. Durrant, J. Hatfield, G. Illingworth)
5 Liberal Democrats (P. Ryan, A. Blacklock, D. Shilton, D. Golby, A. Tyler)
1 Independent (T. Martin)