Richmond Park by-election results: 'Lib Dems are back' says leader Tim Farron as Sarah Olney gives victory speech

Delighted: Lib Dem leader Tim Farron said Sarah Olney's shock win shows 'the Lib Dems are back'
PA
Francesca Gillett2 December 2016
WEST END FINAL

Get our award-winning daily news email featuring exclusive stories, opinion and expert analysis

I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice.

Liberal Democrat Sarah Olney's shock defeat of Zac Goldsmith shows “the Liberal Democrats are back", party leader Tim Farron has declared.

Sarah Olney told supporters Friday’s extraordinary election result in Richmond Park was partly due to “dissatisfaction with Brexit” and a rejection of the “politics of anger and division”.

Lib Dem leader Tim Farron – who helped orchestrate a major campaign in the run up to polling day on Thursday – said “the message is clear” that his party is revived.

North Kingston accountant Ms Olney overturned ex-Tory MP Mr Goldsmith’s 23,000 majority in the battle for the south west London seat.

Richmond Park by-election 2016 - In pictures

1/16

She took 49.7 per cent of the vote with an 1,872 vote majority.

A beaming Ms Olney told supporters: "We will defend the Britain we love. We will stand up for the open tolerant, united Britain we believe in.

Grinning: Liberal Democrat candidate Sarah Olney with her husband Ben.
Getty Images

"The people of Richmond Park and North Kingston have sent a shockwave through this Conservative Brexit government, and our message is clear: we do not want a hard Brexit.

“We do not want to be pulled out of the single market, and we will not let intolerance, division and fear win."

Lib Dem leader Tim Farron said: "The message is clear: The Liberal Democrats are back and we are carrying the torch for all of those who want a real opposition to this Conservative Brexit government.

Election night: A beaming Sarah Olney surrounded by supporters.
AFP/Getty Images

"We are the only party fighting to keep Britain open, tolerant and united, and the only party that has said, loudly and proudly, that we want Britain to remain a member of the Single Market and that we want the people to be given the final say over the Brexit deal.

“That message has been resoundingly backed by the people of Richmond Park.

"This was a remarkable, come-from-nowhere upset that will terrify the Conservatives.”

But a Conservative Party spokesman said tonight’s result would have little impact - and make “no difference” to Brexit plans.

He said: "Commiserations to Zac Goldsmith on his defeat. Zac has been a strong and principled champion for the residents of Richmond Park and North Kingston over the past six years as their Member of Parliament, and a popular figure in the Conservative Party. We are sorry that he is no longer in the House of Commons.

"This result doesn't change anything. The Government remains committed to leaving the European Union and triggering Article 50 by the end of March next year.“

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in