Labour easily holds West Lancashire in by-election amid fall in turnout
Labour has held West Lancashire in a by-election and even better news for the party – they increased its vote share over the Conservatives
Ashley Dalton was elected with an 8,326 majority on a 10.5% swing from the Tories as turnout fell to 31.3%.
Ms Dalton will replace Rosie Cooper, who stood down after 17 years as West Lancashire’s MP.
It’s another easy by-election win for Labour after they won seats they already held in north-west England.
It’s not a surprise Labour has held its West Lancashire seat – they have been Labour since 1992.
But the result highlights how much work Rishi Sunak and his party have to do to catch up with Labour – who are miles ahead in national polls.
In her speech, Ms Dalton said voters had sent a clear message to the Tories that they “do not have confidence in them to govern”.
She said the government had “no ideas” and “no plans to address the big issues facing our country.”
“The voters have sent a message to the prime minister – your government is failing British people.
“Move out of the way. Let Labour take over, and it’s time for a general election.”
West Lancashire by-election 2023 results in full:
- Labour (Ashley Dalton) – 14,068 (62.3%)
- Conservative (Mike Prendergast) – 5,742 (25.4%)
- Reform UK (Jonathan Kay) – 997 (4.4%)
- Liberal Democrat (Jo Barton) – 918 (4.1%)
- Green (Peter Cranie) – 646 (2.9%)
- Official Monster Raving Loony Party (Howling Laud Hope) – 210 (0.9%)
Turnout: 31.3%; Swing: 10.5% from Conservative to Labour
