By-election rout gives Welsh Lib Dems conference boost

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 13th Oct 2006

Welsh Liberal Democrats travel to Aberystwyth today in good heart after a thumping council by-election win in Monmouthshire last night.

Despite strong campaigns from the Tories and Labour, Jacqui Sullivan was returned with 56% of the vote.

Mike German, AM for South Wales East, said: "This is a resounding victory in the face of quite determined opposition from both the Conservatives and Labour. It is a particularly embarrassing result for Labour who limped in third in a seat they once held. Even after both Neil and Glenys Kinnock were seen out canvassing for their candidate.

"Welsh Liberal Democrats are building strongly across South East Wales. We are already the main challengers to Labour in Newport East and Merthyr, and our growing support gives us an excellent chance of picking up extra seats at the Welsh General Election."

Jacqui Sullivan is a well known local businesswoman who fought on key issues including the retention of the Drill Hall and traffic gridlock in Chepstow.

Jacqui said: "I'm grateful for the support the people of Chepstow have given me. They can depend on me to look after their best interests."