Lib Dems hold Three Rivers Council with Landslide By-Election Win in Chorleywood & Maple Cross

Thursday evening saw a landslide win in the Chorleywood South & Maple Cross Ward of Three Three Rivers Council, ensuring that the council remains in Liberal Democrat control

In a hard fought campaign Phil Williams stormed to victory with a 64% share of the vote. The turnout was 38%. This is rather high for a council by-election and reflects both the interest of the electors and the quality of the Liberal Democrat campaign.

The by-election had been triggered by the sad passing of the former Leader of the Liberal Democrat run Three Rivers District Council, Ann Shaw OBE. Ann had been a well respected community champion and councillor for more than three decades. When she stepped down in 2016, she was the longest serving council leader in the country.

The Liberal Democrats increased their vote share by 4.6%, with the Conservative party running a paltry second place with 26.6% of the vote. The other parties failed to gain ground with both UKIP and the Green failing to do better than 28 and 27 votes respectively.

Councillor Phil Williams (pictured right), a 54 year old father of three sons is a well known community figure. Phil has lived locally most of his life and in the ward for 21 years. He works in the family business - a cafe in Chorleywood called Rootz, and is involved in a number of community and charity projects. He also runs a local weekly quiz night.

Control of Three Rivers Council now stands at 20 Lib Dems, 16 Conservatives and 3 Labour.

A breakdown of the result is as follows:

LIBERAL DEMOCRAT: 63.7% (+4.6) Phil Williams

CONSERVATIVES: 26.6% (-2.0)

LABOUR: 7.2% (+0.1)

UKIP: 1.2% (-4.0)

GREEN: 1.2% (+1.2)

Thanks to the electors of Chorleywood South & Maple Cross for their continued support!