Early this morning in Grantham we learnt the result of the Deeping St James by-election to choose a new District Councillor after the previous Conservative councillor resigned.

Sadly, the Conservatives held the seat but I am pleased to have secured a strong second place and shown I can provide a credible alternative to the Tories here in Deeping. I congratulate Steve Benn on his victory and hope to be able to work with Steve where it is in the interests of our area.

I am very grateful to all those who voted for me and those who have helped out with my campaign. I am sorry I was not successful on this occasion.

It was a good result for the Lib Dems, with a 28% share of the vote, compared with 10% in the last District Council election in 2011 and 6% in the 2013 County Council election. It is too early to properly assess the national result but we’re currently up in terms of local council seats in England. There was a strong performance in the Peterborough City Council elections with a gain of three seats taking the total to seven.

I will be continuing to work hard for our area, and expect to focus during the next year on assisting with the writing of a neighbourhood development plan for Deeping. This is an important opportunity for us to have more say on planning decisions made by the District Council.

Thanks to everyone who supported me, to the staff at the District Council for their work in organising the election, and to all the other candidates for ensuring there was a proper opportunity for people in Deeping St James to have their say, unlike last year.

Deeping St James by-election result

• CONSERVATIVE Steve Benn 784 49.7%
• LIBERAL DEMOCRATS  ADAM BROOKES 436 27.7%
• LABOUR Lisa Holmes 286 18.1%
• GREEN PARTY 70 Gerhard Lohmann-Bond 4.4%

Conservative HOLD  (28.2% turnout)