LABOUR has been dealt yet another blow on Teesside after losing a by-election.
After losing out to H'Angus the Monkey and Ray Mallon in the mayoral elections for Hartlepool and Middlesbrough earlier this month, it has now lost a seat on Stockton Borough Council.
A by-election was called in the Marsh House ward of Billingham after Labour councillor Geoff Fields resigned for family reasons.
The election was won by Liberal Democrat councillor Colin Leckonby, who polled 1,169 votes, while Mr Sandbach received only 405. The Conservatives received 96 and the Socialist Alliance group 71.
Coun Leckonby said: "This sends a very powerful message from the people of Billingham that they are fed up with being treated the way they have been from Stockton Borough Council and its Labour cabinet."
Coun Leckonby shares the ward with Liberal Democrat Coun Lynne Apedaile.
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