On a rare Wednesday Polling Day Liberal Democrats Make Another By Election Gain - this Time in Kent

Liberal Democrat candidate Antony Hook became the first Liberal Demcorat Councillor on Faversham Town Council yesterday after seizing the Abbey Ward seat from the Conservatives who slumped to third place.

Antony is well-known locally and has now stood twice in European Elections as a Liberal Democrat candidate.

Tim Prater, a local Liberal Democrat campaigner and a councillor of Sandgate parish Council near Folkestone, said:

"That's a stunning result for Antony, coming from pretty much nowhere to take the seat, and it couldn't be more deserved. Faversham have got themselves a great new Councillor, and it's clear that the Lib Dems are continuing to fight back in Kent."

Antony Hook said:

"I am very, very honoured to be elected as a Town Councillor in Faversham: the first Liberal Democrat member of the council.

"I am excited for the opportunity to help the town I live in, and really grateful for all the people who supported my campaign."

The Greens came last in sixth place and UKIP, who did not stand in 2015, failed to to make a mark. Their voting share was less than 12%, mainly at the expense of an independent. The Liberal Democrat majority was decisive, over 7% ahead of second placed Labour. This was especially remarkable since they did not field a candidate in 2015. The Tories have, however, got some thinking to do. To fail so badly in Kent against a candidate well-known for his pro-European views is a clear signal that the Tories' embrace of the the Leave agenda is no longer supported by voters.

Abbey Ward, Faversham Town Council by-election Result (change on 2015)

• Antony Hook, Lib Dem: 300, 29.5% (+29.5)
• Labour 226, 22.2% (-6.8)
• Conservative 210, 20.7% (-16.8%)
• UKIP 121, 11.9% (+11.9)
• Ind 102, 10.0% (-12.8)
• Green 57, 5.6% (-5.0)