Liberal Democrats celebrated political victory on Thursday night after retaining their seat in the by-election for Kingston's Grove ward.

They swept the board with almost double the number of votes cast to the Conservatives the main opposition party in the Lib Dem-controlled borough.

Some 50 party campaigners descended on the Guildhall for the count.

It was all over by around 10.30pm, when Rachel O'Connor was named the new councillor for the Grove Ward which is located around Kingston University in Penhryn Road.

It was a hard fought campaign for all seven candidates, who have spent the past few weeks door-to-door canvassing. But their efforts inspired just 29.5 per cent of the ward to get out and vote. And two votes were spoiled.

The by-election was forced following the surprise resignation last month of veteran Lib Dem Councillor Roger Hayes, who was leader of the council until last year.

Coun O'Connor, born and bred in the Kingston, said: "Winning was quite emotional. It is a credit to those who voted and campaigned for me. I have met a lot of people in Grove ward and hope to keep in good contact and start working on the issues important to them."

She said she was keen to address antisocial behaviour and environmental issues in her ward.

Conservative leader Kevin Davis said: "It is a great shame Terry Bowers didn't win. But Grove ward has been a Lib Dem stronghold for 22 years, so for them to suffer a 14 per cent swing to the opposition suggests residents are fed up with the high taxes and waste."

Edward Davey, Liberal Democrat MP for Kingston and Surbiton, added: "It was one of the hardest campaigns I've seen but we had a clear majority, so it was a very good night for the Liberal Democrats.

"Roger Hayes is a hard act to follow but I've known Rachel for several years and think she is quite exceptional."

Polling stations were located at Surrey Council staff club hall, Market House and St John's C of E Primary School.

rclifford@london.newsquest.co.uk