Thank you - from Kate Garrett

9.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 1st May 2009

The Liberal Democrats would like to thank everyone after a great result in the Wanstead Ward by-election where Kate Garrett polled second place, leaving Labour dragging behind in third.

Although Kate Garrett was not elected on this occasion, the result is promising for next year's full Council elections.

Kate Garrett says "I would like to thank you for your support in the recent by-election. Although I came a close second to the Tory candidate, the Liberal Democrat vote share more than doubled from 12% in 2006 to 29%. Labour and others were completely out of the picture, proving that it really is only the Liberal Democrats who can beat the Tories in Wanstead.

It is now time to look forward to the future. I,alongside my Liberal Democrat colleagues, will continue to fight hard for our community and address the issues you have raised. I will still be working for local residents and campaigning through regular Focus newsletters. I will be standing again next year when I hope to build on this success by getting elected.

Thank you once again."