With 35 per cent of the vote, Jenifer Gould claimed victory in the Cannon Hill by-election.

The newly elected Lib Dem councillor garnered nearly 200 more votes from her closest rival and was jubilant with the news.

“I want to thank everyone who voted for me and placed their trust me – I won’t let you down.

“I also want to thank all the Liberal Democrats who helped us run an amazing campaign to pull off such an incredible victory.

“I look forward to working hard for local people and getting stuck in.”

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The by-election was called in following the resignation of Councillor Mark Kenny, who represented the Labour Party.

Siobhan Benita, who is looking to be London’s first Lib Dem mayor, congratulated Jenifer on the victory:

“This is a spectacular result for the Liberal Democrats in Merton – the borough where I grew up," she said.

“Time and again on the doorstep, residents told me they were voting for us, not just because they are tired of the Labour council but because of our clear anti-Brexit position.

“The Lib Dems are the only party representing London’s values and opposition to Brexit.”

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The full breakdown of votes is:

  1. Jenifer Gould, Liberal Democrat (1060 votes)
  2. Ryan Barnett, Labour Party (875 votes)
  3. Michael Paterson, Conservative Party (867 votes)
  4. Susie O’Connor, Green Party (158 votes)
  5. Andrew Mills, UK Independence Party (68 votes)

The turnout was 42 per cent.