The Bristow Blog

Conservative Victory in the Sands End by-election

A very busy day yesterday campaigning for Boris.  We are still waiting for the results to come through - should be about half past 6 this evening.

However, there was another election in Hammersmith & Fulham yesterday - the Sands End by-election caused by the resignation of Conservative councillor Jeanette Bentley who has taken a job abroad.  The results have just been announced.  A huge victory for the Conservatives - a majority of 1100 - an increase of over 400 on two years ago:

Ali De Lisle - Conservative - 2257

Brendan Bird - Labour - 1147

Dugald MacInnes - Lib Dem - 518

Labour made this by-election a verdict on the record of the Conservative council so far, pointing to what they called cuts in Sands End ward.  Local people have answered that call by giving us an increased majority.  We will push ahead delivering lower taxes, a crack down on crime, and a cleaner and greener borough.

Congratulations to Cllr De Lisle - I know she will make an excellent member of the Conservative team at the Town Hall. 

An increased turnout and a Conservative victory also looks good for Boris in this part of London.

By election in Sands End

There will be a by-election in Sands End ward in south Fulham on the same day as the mayoral elections.  Councillor Jeanette Bentley has stepped down after taking a job opportunity abroad and an election will take place to elect her successor.

I know the Conservatives have selected Stephendale Road resident Ali De Lisle, and the rumours are that Labour have selected former councillor (who lost the seat in 2006) Brendan Bird. 

The Conservatives are campaigning on 'priorities for Hammersmith and Fulham' and 'priorities for Sands End'. 

For the borough:

• Value for Money - for the past two years we have lowered council tax by 3% - our drive for value for money and lower taxes will continue.
• Cleaner Streets - specialist firm Serco will take over street cleansing/rubbish collection services meaning we can introduce improvements like including recycling and refuse collection on the same day.
• Cracking down on Crime - the council has introduced tough sanctions against anti social tenants, a crackdown on graffiti, and invested £4million on 24/7 policing.  There is more to do but we are on the right track.

For Sands End:

• Extra money for South Park - we are are committed to improving South Park and making much needed improvements to maintenance and management.
• Imperial Wharf Station - the council have led efforts to push for this much needed station to be finally built.  Our campaign will continue.
• Protecting the riverside - a new riverside park will be created in Sands End.  Moreover, we will protect the riverside for everyone to enjoy from Livingstones plans use wharfs for heavy industrial use and sewage plans.

The election takes place on 1st May.