LEYTON: Former councillor welcomes by-election result

8:10pm Friday 15th February 2008

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FORMER councillor Barry Smith has thanked the people of Leyton for the Liberal Democrat by-election victory.

Winnie Smith's massive majority means the ward is back under complete Lib Dem control.

Mr Smith lost his "safe" seat to Labour candidate Miranda Grell in the biggest shock of the 2006 local elections.

Grell was later banned from office after being found guilty of falsely telling voters Mr Smith had sex with underage boys during the campaign.

Mr Smith, who was cabinet member for community safety at the time of the election, was forced to leave the borough after receiving threats of violence.

In a comment posted on the Guardian's website, Mr Smith said: "Well done, Winnie and thank you, Leyton.

"Time now to shut the door on the past and to focus, resolutely, on working for the good people of Waltham Forest.

"Best of luck to all, now and always."