Lib Dems win Bookham South by-election

The by-election for the Bookham South ward of Mole Valley District Council was held on Thursday, October 20.

Stella Brooks, Liberal Democrat, was elected.

Details of the voting were:

• Stella Brooks - Liberal Democrat: 1,043
• Conservative: 940
• UKIP: 228

Total votes cast: 2,217 - Turnout 47.42% - Majority 103

The residents of Bookham South convincingly gave their support to Liberal Democrat Stella Brooks to become their new councillor on Mole Valley District Council.

As an established resident in Bookham South - the only one of the 3 candidates actually living in the ward - Stella is a natural to replace the popular Anne Howarth, whose death in July prompted the by-election.

This result restores the Liberal Democrats' position as the largest party on Mole Valley Council, although the Ashtead Independents continue to maintain the Conservatives' control by supporting a joint administration.

The result also demonstrates a strengthening of support for the Liberal Democrats since the elections in May, when the Conservatives won in Bookham South by 60 votes. Residents clearly recognise the Liberal Democrats as the party which listens to what their local communities are saying.