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Tories win Sunderland by-election Tories win Sunderland by-election
(19 minutes later)
The Conservatives have won a by-election victory, taking a seat from Labour on Sunderland Council.The Conservatives have won a by-election victory, taking a seat from Labour on Sunderland Council.
In Sunderland's Washington East seat, there was a 3.7% swing from Labour to the Tories.
It was one of nine by-elections held. With one result outstanding, Labour retained six seats and the Tories one.It was one of nine by-elections held. With one result outstanding, Labour retained six seats and the Tories one.
Analysis of the eight contests suggests a projected nationwide Tory lead over Labour of 6.2% - which would produce a hung Parliament at a general election. BBC political correspondent Sean Curran said analysis of the eight contests suggested that nationally the Tories should have a lead over Labour of 6.2%.
However, Labour is still enjoying a poll lead - dubbed the "Brown bounce" since Gordon Brown took over as prime minister in June. But he said polls did not reflect that, a fact Gordon Brown would consider when thinking about an autumn election.
Despite widespread election speculation during Labour's conference this week, Mr Brown has repeatedly refused to reveal his intentions for the date of the next general election. Labour has enjoyed a poll lead - dubbed the "Brown bounce" - since Mr Brown took over as prime minister in June.
On Kent County Council, there was a 5.5% swing from Labour to Conservatives, although Labour held the Dover Town seat. Mixed results
Dover District Council also saw the only major swing to Labour - in Aylsham, with the party gaining 11.6% of the vote and holding the seat. Labour also held a further seat on Dover District Council. In Sunderland's Washington East seat, there was a 3.7% swing from Labour to the Tories.
The Tories successfully defended control of Cheshire County Council. Elsewhere, on Kent County Council, there was a 5.5% swing from Labour to Conservatives, although Labour held the Dover Town seat.
Dover District Council saw the only major swing to Labour. In Aylsham, the party gained 11.6% of the vote and held the seat. Labour also held a further seat on Dover District Council.
Labour also held seats on Portsmouth City Council, Northamptonshire County Council and Chester le-Street District Council.Labour also held seats on Portsmouth City Council, Northamptonshire County Council and Chester le-Street District Council.
The Tories, meanwhile, successfully defended control of Cheshire County Council.
By early Friday morning, figures were still to come for a Mansfield District Council by-election.By early Friday morning, figures were still to come for a Mansfield District Council by-election.
Sean Curran said it was important to remember that people often voted differently at local elections compared with general elections.
Despite widespread speculation during Labour's conference this week, Mr Brown has repeatedly refused to reveal his intentions for the date of the next general election.
It is believed the prime minister will meet advisers this weekend to discuss the possibility of calling a snap vote.
If the Tories predicted six-point lead was born out it would produce a hung Parliament at a general election.