News RSS Feed


LEYTON: Former councillor welcomes by-election result

8:10pm Friday 15th February 2008

comment Comments (5)   Have your say »


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."


Your Say YourEast London and West Essex Guardian Series

Walthamster, E17 says...
3:57pm Fri 15 Feb 08

Good man. What a pity he was hounded out of the borough.

Dylan, London says...
2:05am Sat 16 Feb 08

I think there should be criminal charges against the person who spread malicious and dangerous rumours about this man - justice has not been done as far as I can see.

Technomist, Walthamstow says...
12:45pm Sat 16 Feb 08

Dylan - they were. The person concerned was prosecuted and convicted. Its because of this conviction that the seat was vacated and the by-election which the Lib Dems just won took place.

WF Respect, E17 says...
5:18pm Sat 16 Feb 08

There was understandably a lot of sympathy for Barry which helped the Lib Dems in the by election.

We had some political disagreements with Barry, but always found him to be an honourable and decent man. He is missed in the borough and Waltham Forest Respect send Barry our best wishes.

mdj, e10 says...
4:43pm Sun 17 Feb 08

Will the Lib Dems ask for another portfolio in the cabinet to reflect this change in numbers? The sad thing is that all this voting means little when two parties are in coalition: 'Lib-Lab councillor replaces Lib-Lab Councillor' is not a news story, and especially galling for those of us who voted Lib Dem last time specifically to limit Labour's power to do damage to this borough. The Tories offered to serve in a Lib Dem-led coalition: why does Mr Rayner not want to step up to the wicket?

Comments are closed on this article.

Local Advertisers


Local Information

Enter your postcode, town or place name

House prices »   Schools »   Crime »   Hospitals »