Caroline Johnson wins Sleaford by-election after Stephen Phillips quits

Conservative MP Caroline Johnson has won the Sleaford and North Hykeham by-election after winning over 17,000 votes.

Johnson won the seat in Lincolnshire after former MP Stephen Phillips resigned, stating “irreconcilable policy differences” with the government.

Johnson held off the challenge of UKIP’s Victoria Ayling, who won just under 4,500 votes.

The Liberal Democrats and Labour came third and fourth respectively, a drop from second just last year for the latter.

Johnson won just over 53% of the vote, while UKIP took just over 13%.

Paediatrician Dr Johnson said her election would increase Prime Minister Theresa May’s support on Brexit.

The Conservative party have held the Sleaford and North Hykeham seat since it was formed in 1997 and the area heavily voted to leave the European Union in `June.

Former MP Phillips was critical of the government’s Brexit strategy, prompting his resignation last month.

Full election results:
Caroline Johnson: (Conservatives) – 17,570
Victoria Ayling: (UKIP) – 4,426
Ross Pepper: (Liberal Democrats) – 3,606
Jim Clarke: (Labour) – 3,363
Marianne Overton: (Lincolnshire Independent) – 2,892
Sarah Stock: (Independent) – 462
The Iconic Arty-Pole: (Monster Raving Loony Party) – 200
Paul Coyne: (Independent) – 186
Mark Suffield: (Independent) – 74
David Bishop: (Bus Pass Elvis Party) – 55