Lib Dems push Tories into third place

The two Liberal Democrat candidates in the Earcroft by-election made a strong showing and pushed the Conservatives into third place.

The Labour Party won both seats, but the Lib Dem candidates Tony Melia and John East pushed them hard and forced the Conservatives, who had held a seat in the Ward, into third place.

Commenting on the result Liberal Democrat Leader, Cllr. Paul Browne said, "This result shows that the Liberal Democrats are the only alternative to Labour in Darwen."

The result in full

Earcroft by-election (Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council) 15 July 2004 - 2 vacancies

Labour 492

Labour 443

John East (Lib Dem) 300

Tony Melia (Lib Dem) 277

Conservative 212

Conservative 202

BNP 133

Independent 114

Independent 109

BNP 106

BNSP 14

BNSP 10