LAST night saw Salisbury Liberal Democrats decisively win the Salisbury St Paul's ward Wiltshire by-election and city council by-election, gaining the seats from the Conservatives.

The by-elections were called after councillor Mary Webb died earlier this year. 

Newly appointed Wiltshire Councillor, Sam Charleston and newly appointed City Councillor, Lynne Blackwood, both received 60 per cent of the vote. 

In the Wiltshire Council vote, the Lib Dems took a huge 64.8 per cent of the votes (830), while Labour finished in second with 18.5 per cent (237), and the Conservatives third with 16.6 per cent (213). 

That was a 34.8 per cent increase in the vote for the Lib Dems. 

On the city council, it was another huge victory for the Liberal Democrats, securing 59.9 per cent of the votes (760). Labour was second again (278, 22 per cent), and the Conservatives third (229, 18 per cent).

Sam Charleston, who is already a Lib Dem councillor for Salisbury City Council in the St Pauls ward, has now also been elected to Wiltshire Council, also the St Pauls ward. 

Sam told the Journal: "It's a pretty complex mixture of emotions this morning. I am proud and humbled. An awful lot of people have put an awful lot of trust in me". 

On what his priorities will be as a councillor, Sam said: "Policy aside, the main thing is to be present and available to everyone, listening to what people need.

"Then, the state of the roads, the state of the pavements. An awful lot of people are also absolutely concerned about the cost of living crisis."

Sam says these results also send a clear message that the Liberal Democrats are the main challenges to the Conservative party, both in Salisbury and in Wiltshire. 

"It is clear that we are the only party that can challenge them."

Lynne Blackwood added: "We absolutely smashed it. I was so shocked and did not expect this."

Lynne also spoke of an "immense feling of pride", and said she cant wait to get stuck in. 

The Conservative candidate in both elections Kartrina Sale said: "I made a commitment to stand in this election before Cllr Mary Webb died, and I hope she would be pleased to know we put in so much work to honour her memory.

"I met many lovely people during the campaign and I’m very grateful for the kindness I recieved on the doorstep, however given the national picture I am not surprised by the result. I offer my wholehearted congratulations to Cllr Charleston and Cllr Blackwood."

Both Labour candidates have been approached for comment. 

Wiltshire Liberal Democrats now hold 28 seats and are the largest opposition group on Wiltshire Council.