Shock by-election win paves way for Lib Dem gains in Surrey

The Lib Dems are on track to win seats across the country at the next General Election, including here in Surrey, following the historic by-election victory overnight in North Shropshire.

The party won the once safe Conservative seat of North Shropshire, overturning the Conservatives majority of almost 23,000 votes. It is the second parliamentary by-election the Lib Dems have won against the Tories this year, following their victory in Chesham and Amersham in the summer.

The Lib Dems narrowly failed to win the Surrey parliamentary constituencies of Esher & Walton and Guildford at the last General Election. The party only needs a swing of less than 3% to win both seats compared to the 34.2% swing they achieved in the North Shropshire by-election.

The party have been winning in recent local elections. The Lib Dems gained 5 seats on Surrey County Council in the elections held in May this year, resulting in the largest Lib Dem Group on the County Council since 1997.

Lib Dem Group Leader on Surrey County Council, Councillor Will Forster, said:

"The Lib Dems' win in the North Shropshire by-election could pave the way for winning seats across Surrey at the next General Election."

"We saw last night in North Shropshire that people are fed up with being ignored and taken for granted by the Conservatives. Across Surrey, just like in North Shropshire, voters can back the Lib Dems to send Boris Johnson's Tories a clear message."

"If we can win in North Shropshire, then we can win here. I know Lib Dem parliamentary candidates in Esher & Walton and Guildford are working hard to win. The people of Surrey are being ignored and let down by our Conservative MPs, I am looking forward to the next General Election which should result in the Lib Dems getting at least one Lib Dem MP here in Surrey."

"I have been swamped by messages from local people who are appalled by Boris Johnson's behaviour over alleged illegal parties under his own roof and his inability to be honest about it. The Lib Dems and I believe people deserve a fair deal where everyone plays by the same rules - including those in Downing Street."