Liberal Democrats win Westfield by election with over 60% share of the vote

Thanks to all those residents who supported us in todays by election.

The swing from Labour was one of the highest ever recorded in an election in the City.

The full result was

Votes 2014% 2011% Change
Jason Brown Conservative 118 4% 15% -11%
Louise Corson Labour 588 20% 43% -23%
Sam Kelly ED 5 0% 0% 0%
Judith Morris UKIP 398 13% 0% +13%
Andrew Waller LibDem 1804 60% 35% +25%
Alison Webb Green 87 3% 7% -4%
Total votes cast 28.5% turnout 3006
2011 figures are based on party average vote
NB in 2011 Labour won all 3 seats in Westfield

Tudor Road arson attack – photo

Detectives in York have issued a CCTV still following an act of arson in the city as they appeal for the public’s help to identify the suspect.

CCTV still of Acomb arson suspect

It was reported to the police shortly after 12.50am on Tuesday 14 October 2014, by North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, who were dealing with a car fire on Tudor Road, Acomb.

The suspect was seen placing something underneath a BMW before setting it on fire.

After the incident, the person responsible headed towards Hamilton Drive.

As a result of the fire, the BMW 3 series was completely destroyed and a Citroen Berlingo and a Mazda were damaged. The front of the house was also damaged by the fire.

Detective Sergeant Mark Jackson, of York CID, said: “The act of arson took place very close to the house where people were sleeping. This fire could easily have led to potentially devastating consequences.

“If you recognise the person captured on camera, or saw someone matching their description in the Tudor Road, Gale Lane or Middleton Road areas around the time of the fire, I urge you to contact the police immediately.

“I am also keen to speak to anyone who works at local garages who may have sold fuel to someone filling a petrol can, and ask them to get in touch straight away.”

Anyone who can assist with this investigation should contact York CID on 101, select option 2 and ask for the department by name. Alternatively, information can be emailed to yorkcid@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting reference number 12140177124.

2.5% increase in pensions

Pensioners will benefit from a 2.5 per cent increase in their state pension thanks to the Liberal Democrat Triple Lock guarantee.

Figures out today (14 October) show that inflation is below target meaning that the basic state pension will be boosted by 2.5 per cent next year.

The Triple Lock guarantee means that pensions will increase with inflation, earnings or 2.5 per cent – whichever is highest.

key_Pensions.jpg

Commenting on the inflation figures, Liberal Democrat Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander said:

“This below target inflation number is good news for everyone, but will help pensioners in particular as the Liberal Democrat flagship ‘Triple Lock’ policy will kick in to give an above inflation pension increase.

“The Triple Lock delivers a pension rise of whichever is the greater of average earnings, inflation or 2.5%.

“This means that next year the basic state pension will rise by 2.5% or £2.85 a week.  With Liberal Democrats in Government the basic state pension has risen by over £950.

“This shows that pensioners are at the heart of our Liberal Democrat vision of a stronger economy and a fairer society.

“They’ve done their bit for society and paid their dues over a lifetime. Our Triple Lock policy ensures our country does right by them.

“This is in stark contrast to life under the Conservatives who broke the link between pensions and earnings in the Thatcher years, and life under Labour when pensioners were insulted with rises as low as 75p.”