Quarter Two Local By-Election Results 2017

Overall, 243,117 votes were cast over 130 local authority (tier one and tier two) contests. All percentages are rounded to the nearest single decimal place. For comparison see Quarter One's results here.

Party	Number of Candidates	Total Vote	%	+/-  Q1	+/- Q2 2016	Average	+/- Seats
Conservative	128	95,687	39.4%	+11.4%	+10.0%	748	+14
Labour	105	69,755	28.7%	+3.3%	-6.0%	664	-10
LibDem	99	44,432	18.3%	-3.4%	+7.4%	449	+1
UKIP	52	8,691	3.6%	-6.1%	-6.4%	167	-4
Green	65	12,505	5.1%	+1.2%	-0.9%	192	+1
SNP*	0						0
PC	1	110	0.0%	-3.9%	-0.2%	110	0
Ind***	30	8,032	3.3%	+0.4%	-2.1%	268	-4
Other****	16	3,916	1.6%	-4.2%	+1.0%	245	+2

* There were no by-elections in Scotland
** There was one by-election in Wales
*** There were two Independent clashes
**** Others this quarter consisted of WEP (40), Yorks First (46), Elvis Bus Pass (51), National Bocialist (0), Residents 4 Uttlesford (623), English Democrats (188), TUSC (37, 25, 27, 83), Liberal Party (64), St Neots Ind Group (854), Monster Raving Loony (33), Health Concern (506), Our West Lancashire (705), and Seaham Community (633)

The results this quarter are dominated by the commanding lead the Tories were able to build in early May, off the back of the county council elections held on the same day. This was also that time when the Prime Minister was at the peak of her powers. How sweet it is
to be able to say with some confidence that this probably represents the high watermark of the Tories for many years to come, that is if the results for June are anything to go by.

Also notable is a more modest LibDem performance. After the election, it will be interesting to see if they're able to claw back that by-election ground they managed to corner before May set the starting pistol off pointing at her head. And UKIP, their collapse is just incredible. Remember, it's because of this souffle of a party we're in this utter mess. They will only come back in the short to medium term if David Davis looks like he's bringing back a deal that shall upset those Tories, and the small constituency they serve, who want to see the raw meat of the commission, of the EU flag spattered with blood. And for that to happen, in case any kippers are reading this, you've got to go after those Conservative seats.

Local Council By-Elections June 2017

This month 18,263 votes were cast over nine local authority (tier one and tier two) contests. All percentages are rounded to the nearest single decimal place. Three council seats changed hands in total. For comparison with May's results, see here.

0.6%Party	Number of Candidates	Total Vote	%	+/-  May	+/- June 16	Average/ Contest	+/- Seats
Conservative	7	3,683	20.2%	-20.8%	-4.3%	526	0
Labour	8	7,114	39.0%	+11.3%	+14.8%	889	0
LibDem	5	1,974	10.8%	-8.3%	-6.5%	395	0
UKIP	1	14	0.1%	-3.8%	-12.3%	14	0
Green	4	3,154	17.3%	+13.2%	+9.1%	789	0
SNP*	0						0
PC**	1	101	0.6%	+0.6%	-0.7%	101	0
Ind***	4	885	4.8%	+1.8%	-3.1%	221	-1
Other****	2	1,338	7.3%	+6.1%	+7.0%	669	+1

* There were no by-elections in Scotland this month
** There was one by-election in Wales
*** There was one Independent clash
**** Other this month consisted of  Our West Lancashire (705), and Seaham Community (633)

A quiet month but a very interesting month. I would love to read something into the collapse of the Tory vote and the significant increase in Labour's, a turn around indicative of the complete change in politics since last month's tally of by-elections, but we shall have to await further results before suggesting anything firm. Though I would venture that local by-elections will from now on mirror the wider trend away from the Tories and toward Labour.

Just a quick note and congratulations to the Greens on their best ever by-election performance. The first time they have come third too! However, the bulk of the spadework was done in this month's by-election in Sheffield where the Labour council's decision to fell a number of trees originally planted by the city's labour movement has stirred up passions, so not surprised to see the Greens monopolise electoral opposition to what seems like a pretty daft decision.

Also, allow me to note the monthly vote tally for UKIP. They're pretty much done.