Lib Dems Win Spectacular Victory in Brent East

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 19th Sep 2003

Liberal Democrats are today celebrating a spectacular victory in the by-election in Brent East. Gaining their 54th Member of Parliament to Westminster - Sarah Teather, 29, is now the youngest MP in the House of Commons securing a 29% swing away from Labour.

Annette Brooke, Liberal Democrat MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, said of the sensational win:

"This result - in a previously safe Labour seat - shows that the Lib Dems are set for many more gains in the future in other previously safe seats!"

"We have shown that there is support for Liberal Democrat policies and principles across Britain, including in one of Britain's most ethnically diverse communities in north London. This victory is a win for local democracy."

"I am looking forward to welcoming Sarah Teather to Westminster, and helping her out in her new challenge as an MP."