Tories Retain Wimbledon Park Seat

Respectable turnout in council by-election

Conservative candidate Linda Taylor has won a seat on Merton borough council in the Wimbledon Park by-election.

She received 1,837 votes to beat off the challenge from Labour's Louise Deegan, who got 931 votes. Liberal Democrat Dave Busby got 838 votes and Green candidate Richmond Crowhurst got 231.

The turnout was 48.1%. The election followed the resignation of fellow Tory Tariq Lord Ahmad.

Councillor Taylor (above) said: "I am delighted to have been elected by the people of Wimbledon Park. It is a huge honour for me and I will continue to fight for those causes which I raised during the campaign, such as improved services on the District Line, a secure future for the Vineyard Hill Road Surgery and a new school. 

"I look forward to joining my Conservative colleagues in taking the fight to Labour across Merton and highlighting to residents how a Conservative run council would be able to offer better services for less cost."

Councillor Debbie Shears, Leader of the Merton Conservative Council Group, added: "I am thrilled to welcome Linda into our council group.  With her wealth of experience and engaging personality, she will be a great addition to our already very strong team."

Stephen Hammond - MP for Wimbledon - added his congratulations, saying: "Very well done to Linda. She will be a great councillor for Wimbledon Park and an excellent addition to an already strong Conservative group."

May 4, 2012