Labour’s won a big victory in the Princes Ward by-election in Kennington and Vauxhall.  I’m delighted for our fantastic candidate, Mark Harrison, who has now been elected councillor with a huge mandate from local people. 

The victory is all the more stunning because of the extremely difficult national circumstances, with the MPs expenses scandal hurting Labour nationally and a string of cabinet ministers resigning from the Government.  The result is a tribute to our hard-working candidate, Mark Harrison as well as recognition of how Lambeth is improving with Labour.

But it is also a shattering blow to the Liberal Democrats.  They held this seat for 16 years until the last election, and they knew they had to win it back to show they have any chance of taking control of the council next year.  They failed and this puts Labour in a strong position to fight and win the election in 2010.  We will now focus on continuing to improve services and deliver value for money for residents.  I suspect the hapless Lib Dem leader in Lambeth will now face calls to resign since he can’t win a by-election in a marginal seat despite the huge difficulties facing Labour nationally. 

I know Mark will work really hard for everyone living in Princes Ward.  I’d like to offer my own congratulations to the defeated Lib Dem candidate – a decent man who’s standing for the wrong party.  Now Labour will get on with our job of improving Lambeth’s public services and making life better for people across our borough as we work towards next year’s council elections. 

Labour's Mark Harrison will be a fantastic councillor for people living in Kennington and Vauxhall