Emphatic win for Green Party in Haddenham by-election

David Lyons, who won yesterday's Haddenham by-election

Aylesbury Vale District Council has its first Green Party councillor following yesterday's by-election in the Haddenham and Stone ward.

Green Party candidate David Lyons won the by-election after securing 1210 votes (51%).

In second place in the ward was Mark Bale, the Conservative Party candidate with 781 votes (33%), followed by Jim Brown (Lib Dem), 333 votes (14%) and Jennifer Tuffley (Labour) with 59 votes (2%).

There were a total of 2383 votes out of a possible electorate of 7357, which represents a turnout of 32%.

Mr Lyons said: "I am thrilled and chuffed because I ran a very strong campaign.

"I have campaigned in Haddenham for some years although I was not expecting such a convincing margin of victory.

"With the upcoming abolition of the district council it is a very important time for local politics.

"We need a local plan which involves consultation with local people.

"People are not happy with the status quo and I hope to help change that."

Asked whether he felt the Green Party could start making gains within the political scene he said: "I think this result and the margin of victory is a sign of where the country is heading.

"One of the big things I will personally be working on is trying to get the Government to take action about climate change."

The make-up of Aylesbury Vale District Council is now 38 Conservatives, two Labour, 12 Liberal Democrats, one Independent Conservative and four Independent councillors.