Lib Dems Stun Labour in Huge By-Election Victory

9.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 29th Feb 2008

The Lib Dem Leyton Team congratulate Winnie Smith on her victory

Liberal Democrats in Waltham Forest are celebrating after taking back the Leyton seat left vacant after the expulsion of Labour councillor Miranda Grell.

Liberal Democrat community activist Winnie Smith scored an overwhelming victory, taking over 55% of the vote. The1360 votes received was almost double the number cast for the Labour candidate. The Liberal Democrats now hold a third of all council seats in Waltham Forest, the highest in the local party's history.

A message from Winnie Smith to Leyton Ward residents.

"Dear Leyton Residents, I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent you. In electing me as your Liberal Democrat councillor, you have put your trust in me to work hard and to ensure that we have a strong voice on Waltham Forest Council. I promise that I will not let you down.

We have been poorly served by the disgusting behaviour of the previous Labour member, but it is now time to look forward to the future. I, alongside my fellow Lib Dem councillors Bob Sullivan and Naheed Qureshi, will continue to fight hard for our community and address the issues which you have told us about, such as crime, post offices and local environment.

Thank you once again for electing me".