Sarah Teather

The Liberal Democrats have won the Brent East by-election.

The party's candidate, Sarah Teather, polled 8,158 votes, giving her a majority of 1118 over the second placed Labour candidate, MEP Robert Evans.

Evans received 7040 votes, while Conservative candidate Uma Fernandes trailed in third place with 3368 votes.

Labour had previously held the seat with a 13,047 majority, and the party expressed disappointment at the defeat.

Teather said she was "absolutely elated" at her victory.

And party leader Charles Kennedy added: "We have shown that there is no such thing as a no-go area for the Liberal Democrats."

Labour chairman Ian McCartney said he was "disappointed" that the party's run of by-election victories had come to an end.

"The backdrop of the controversy surrounding the Iraqi conflict, in its many forms, made this the most difficult by-election Labour has fought in the last twenty years," he said.

"A disproportionate number of Labour voters staying at home was also a key feature."

McCartney added: "I am confident that as voters here see this government delivering on its promises Brent East will return to Labour at the general election."

Conservative chairman Theresa May said the party remained "on course" despite its third place setback.

"We will look at the campaign and learn the lessons from the campaign but we are a party that is on course for the general election," she said.