Liberal Democrats win Shock Victory in Richmond Park By-Election

Sarah Olney has won the Parliamentary by-election for the Liberal Democrats in Richmond Park overturning Zac Goldsmith’s 23,000 majority. Goldsmith called the by-election following the Government’s decision to allow a third runway to be built at Heathrow Airport.

In contrast to Goldsmith’s pro-Brexit stance, Olney based her campaign around opposing Brexit, saying:

“The people of Richmond Park and North Kingston have sent a shockwave through this Conservative Brexit government, and our message is clear – we do not want a hard Brexit. We do not want to be pulled out of the single market, and we will not let intolerance, division and fear win”.

The Conservative Party issued a statement saying that Brexit wouldn’t be stopped over the vote as “the government remains committed to leaving the European Union and triggering Article 50 by the end of March next year”.

The full result was:

Sarah Olney (Liberal Democrats) – 20,510

Zac Goldsmith (Independent) – 18,638

Christian Wolmar (Labour Party) – 1,515

Howling Laud Hope (The Official Monster Raving Loony Party) – 184

Fiona Natasha Syms, (Independent) – 173

Dominic Francis Stockford, (Christian Peoples Alliance) – 164

Maharaja Jammu and Kashmir (One Love Party) – 67

David Powell – 32

Turnout = 53.6%