By-elections confirm Lib Dems as the only challengers to Labour in Edinburgh South

9.51.20am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 20th Jul 2007

The big swings to the Liberal Democrats in by-elections in Sedgefield and Ealing Southall on 19 July confirm that the Liberal Democrats remain the only party that can beat Labour in Edinburgh South.

Westminster Spokesperson Fred Mackintosh said, "In Sedgefield the swing to the Lib Dems from Labour was +11% and in Ealing Southall it was more than +5%. These movements are both significantly more than the +0.5% swing needed for a Liberal Democrat MP to be elected here."

"I will continue to campaign positively for a better deal for south Edinburgh and for our traditional civil liberties in the months between now and the next General Election"

Speaking after the results were declared Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Menzies Campbell QC MP commented, "We achieved swings from both the Labour and Conservative Parties in both these by-elections. As our candidates said a few hours ago, the results were a blow to Gordon Brown as Labour majorities in formerly "safe seats" tumbled. But they were a disaster for David Cameron's Conservatives. The Conservatives came third in both campaigns despite their claims."

Liberal Democrats showed that we are the challengers to Labour in what used to be Labour's strongholds . We are the only party capable of representing every community in every part of Britain."