A former local press journalist has failed in his bid to become an MP after one of the most unusual election battles in recent political history.

Howard Keal, left, who was news editor of the Lincolnshire Echo in the 1990s before embarking on a career in PR, was the Liberal Democrat candidate at yesterday’s Thirsk and Malton by-election.

The contest, delayed from the 6 May general election, pitted the two coalition partners, the Tories and the Liberal Democrats, against eachother at the polls.

Tory candidate Anne McIntosh held the seat for the Conservatives with 52.87pc of the vote, with Howard in second place on 23.3pc.

There had been suggestions that the Lib Dems should stand aside in the contest in the interests of unity – but Howard made clear he had no intention of allowing the Tories a clear run.

He told the Yorkshire Post: “I never expected anything else than we would fight the by-election. It was never in any shadow of a doubt.

The vote was postponed last month after the sudden death of Ukip’s John Boakes after general election nominations had closed.

The replacement Ukip candidate came fourth with 6.5pc of the vote, with Labour in third on 13.5pc.

Comments

Vidal Sassoon (27/05/2010 14:52:59)
With that hair cut, I’m not sure I would vote for him!

Lurker (27/05/2010 15:32:00)
Howard is a good bloke who has served his time, and succeeded where many failed. Good luck owd lad, DLTBGYD.

Patrick (28/05/2010 09:54:08)
Proof that good guys CAN make a difference.
Howard won an extra five per cent of the vote, most likely down to his infectious personality and sensible outlook.
Cracking contest, well done!

Nicky Clare (28/05/2010 10:21:05)
No, it was definitely the hair wot did it!!!