Lib Dems claw back power from the Tories

When Vince Cable lost his seat to the Tories in the general election, it was a a victory that brought much entertainment to the Conservatives, with David Cameron’s former head of strategy Steve Hilton making light of it at his book launch.

Now, the Liberal Democrats finally have reason for cheer, and while it might not be the election they had hoped to win, they have finally beaten the Tories in one battle. After Tania Mathias, who won the Twickenham seat for the Tories in the election, gave up her council seat in Hampton Wick, a by-election took place yesterday. Despite the ward being a traditional Tory stronghold, the party failed to retain the seat, and Lib Dem candidate Geraldine Locke won it by just over 100 votes:

Very pleased to be representing liberal democrats as counsellor in Hampton Wick ward, thank you to all the lib dem team and all who voted

— Geraldine Locke (@Geraldinoe) July 2, 2015

They may be a dying breed, but the Lib Dems aren’t extinct yet.