A THREE-WAY by-election fight between the main political parties in Darlington Borough Council's Lascelles ward was won by Labour.

Helen Crumbie comfortably held the seat for Labour tonight with Liberal Democrat Howard Jones finishing ahead of Conservative Lewis Cairns.

The vacancy arose due to the death of Jackie Maddison in December following a short illness.

Steven Harker, deputy leader of the council's Labour group, expressed his delight at the result but added that Coun Maddison, who was instrumental in the success of Darlington's annual carnival for more than 20 years, would be a tough act to follow.

The Lib Dems said they were pleased with second place while the Tories blamed their last place on the Coalition Goverment's mid-term blues which was having an effect at a local level.

  • Lewis Cairns (Con) 117
  • Helen Crumbie (Lab) 426
  • Howard Jones (Lib Dem) 129
  • Turn out 22.79 per cent