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| Tories win Sunderland by-election | Tories win Sunderland by-election |
| (about 4 hours later) | |
| The Conservatives have won a by-election victory, taking a seat from Labour on Sunderland Council. | The Conservatives have won a by-election victory, taking a seat from Labour on Sunderland Council. |
| In Sunderland's Washington East seat, there was a 3.7% swing from Labour to the Tories. | In Sunderland's Washington East seat, there was a 3.7% swing from Labour to the Tories. |
| It was one of nine by-elections held. With one result outstanding, Labour retained six seats and the Tories one. | It was one of nine by-elections held. With one result outstanding, Labour retained six seats and the Tories one. |
| Analysis of the eight contests suggests a projected nationwide Tory lead over Labour of 6.2% - which would produce a hung Parliament at a general election. | Analysis of the eight contests suggests a projected nationwide Tory lead over Labour of 6.2% - which would produce a hung Parliament at a general election. |
| However, Labour is still enjoying a poll lead - dubbed the "Brown bounce" since Gordon Brown took over as prime minister in June. | However, Labour is still enjoying a poll lead - dubbed the "Brown bounce" since Gordon Brown took over as prime minister in June. |
| Despite widespread election speculation during Labour's conference this week, Mr Brown has repeatedly refused to reveal his intentions for the date of the next general election. | Despite widespread election speculation during Labour's conference this week, Mr Brown has repeatedly refused to reveal his intentions for the date of the next general election. |
| On Kent County Council, there was a 5.5% swing from Labour to Conservatives, although Labour held the Dover Town seat. | On Kent County Council, there was a 5.5% swing from Labour to Conservatives, although Labour held the Dover Town seat. |
| Dover District Council also saw the only major swing to Labour - in Aylsham, with the party gaining 11.6% of the vote and holding the seat. Labour also held a further seat on Dover District Council. | Dover District Council also saw the only major swing to Labour - in Aylsham, with the party gaining 11.6% of the vote and holding the seat. Labour also held a further seat on Dover District Council. |
| The Tories successfully defended control of Cheshire County Council. | |
| Labour also held seats on Portsmouth City Council, Northamptonshire County Council and Chester le-Street District Council. | Labour also held seats on Portsmouth City Council, Northamptonshire County Council and Chester le-Street District Council. |
| By early Friday morning, figures were still to come for a Mansfield District Council by-election. | By early Friday morning, figures were still to come for a Mansfield District Council by-election. |