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Tories' poll triumph over Labour Tories' poll triumph over Labour
(40 minutes later)
The Tories have taken Norwich North from Labour with a majority of more than 7,000, in the first Westminster by-election since the MPs expenses row.The Tories have taken Norwich North from Labour with a majority of more than 7,000, in the first Westminster by-election since the MPs expenses row.
Tory candidate Chloe Smith won with 13,591 - more than twice as many votes as the Labour candidate Chris Ostrowski who had 6,243 votes. Tory candidate Chloe Smith won with 13,591 - more than twice as many votes as Labour candidate Chris Ostrowski.
There was a swing from Labour to the Tories of 16.5% on a turnout of 45%.There was a swing from Labour to the Tories of 16.5% on a turnout of 45%.
The Lib Dems came third with 4,803, narrowly ahead of UKIP on 4,068 and the Greens on 3,350. The Tories say it puts them firmly on the road to power. Labour said it was "disappointing" but the vote took place in "unprecedented circumstances".
Labour's vote slumped from the 21,000 it got at the general election - amid anger at the effective expulsion of MP Ian Gibson over his expenses. The contest was triggered by popular MP Ian Gibson quitting after he was barred from standing again for the party over his expenses - sparking anger among some constituents.
They have voted for change. And in doing so they have sent a message to Gordon Brown very loud and very clear Chloe Smith class="" href="/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8166769.stm">Profile: Chloe Smith Harman disappointed
BBC political correspondent Carole Walker said it was a "convincing majority" for the Tories, much more than many in the party expected and was a "serious blow" for Labour.
NORWICH NORTH BY-ELECTION Chloe Smith (Con) 13,591 (39.5%)Chris Ostrowski (Lab) 6,243 April Pond (LD) 4,803 (13.97%) Glenn Tingle (UKIP) 4,068 (11.83%) Rupert Read (Green) 3,350 (9.74%)Craig Murray (Ind) 953 (2.77%) Robert West (BNP) 941 (2.74%)C maj 7,348 (21.37%) 16.49% swing Lab to Con Turnout 34,377 (45.76%, down 15.33% on gen election) Profile: Chloe Smith
Shadow cabinet minister Theresa May told BBC Radio 4's World at One: "It's a fantastic victory, for the Conservative Party and for Chloe Smith.
She added: "We've overturned a Labour majority of 5,500 to a Conservative majority of over 7,000. If we hold this seat at the general election, we'll have a majority of over 100."
The Lib Dems came third with 4,803, narrowly ahead of UKIP on 4,068. The Greens - who are the main opposition party on the local council - were pushed into fifth on 3,350.
Labour's deputy leader Harriet Harman told the BBC: "It is very disappointing and it is really a reflection of the quite unprecedented circumstances."
But she added: "It's more our voters staying at home or going to other smaller parties rather than a big shift from Labour to the Conservatives, as their vote only increased by about 6% against a fall in turnout".
Swine flu
Ms Smith, who at 27 will be the youngest MP in the House of Commons, paid tribute to Dr Gibson in her victory speech saying she hoped to serve the voters "with the same honesty and conviction".Ms Smith, who at 27 will be the youngest MP in the House of Commons, paid tribute to Dr Gibson in her victory speech saying she hoped to serve the voters "with the same honesty and conviction".
She also wished her Labour rival Mr Ostrowski a speedy recovery - he was hospitalised with suspected swine flu days earlier. His wife represented him at the count.She also wished her Labour rival Mr Ostrowski a speedy recovery - he was hospitalised with suspected swine flu days earlier. His wife represented him at the count.
Ms Smith said the result sent a signal to Downing Street: "The people of Norwich North have rejected the old politics of personal attacks, of bickering, of smears and scare stories.Ms Smith said the result sent a signal to Downing Street: "The people of Norwich North have rejected the old politics of personal attacks, of bickering, of smears and scare stories.
"They have voted for change. And in doing so they have sent a message to Gordon Brown very loud and very clear.""They have voted for change. And in doing so they have sent a message to Gordon Brown very loud and very clear."
Conservative swing
BBC political correspondent Carole Walker said it was a "convincing majority", much more than many in the Conservative camp expected and was a "serious blow" for Labour.
The result will also be a disappointment for the Greens, who are the main opposition on the local council but were pushed into fifth place behind UKIP, with 3,350 votes.
The Conservatives had put a lot of effort into the by-election. Party leader David Cameron paid six visits and many members of the shadow cabinet had been to Norwich North to campaign.The Conservatives had put a lot of effort into the by-election. Party leader David Cameron paid six visits and many members of the shadow cabinet had been to Norwich North to campaign.
Dr Gibson had won the seat with a majority of 5,459 at the 2005 general election. Friday's by-election result represents a swing of 16.5% from Labour to the Conservatives.Dr Gibson had won the seat with a majority of 5,459 at the 2005 general election. Friday's by-election result represents a swing of 16.5% from Labour to the Conservatives.
Shadow cabinet minister Theresa May told the BBC that, if repeated at a general election, it would mean a Conservative government with a majority of more than 100.
Voter turnout was 42.9% - less than the 61% who voted at the general election but about average for recent by-elections.Voter turnout was 42.9% - less than the 61% who voted at the general election but about average for recent by-elections.
Labour had been playing down their chances. On Thursday former cabinet minister Geoff Hoon said it would be "pretty difficult" for Labour to win in the circumstances - which included anger at the way Dr Gibson was treated, the recession and expenses scandal.