Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has praised a hyperlocal news network for its coverage of his party’s historic by-election victory.

Sir Ed, pictured, thanked Nub News for its “fair and equitable coverage” after the Lib Dems overturned a Conservative majority of more than 24,000 to take the Tiverton and Honiton seat in the House of Commons.

Nub News runs websites in three towns in the constituency – Honiton, Axminster and Seaton – and had polled subscribers twice ahead of last night’s vote.

Both polls showed the Lib Dems would get more than 50pc of the vote – and the Tories less than 40pc.

On the night, Lib Dem candidate Richard Foord won with 53pc and Conservative Helen Hurford only registered 38pc.

Speaking to Nub News this morning, Sir Ed said: “This result has delivered an irrefutable verdict on a Government which has stopped listening to the people.

“Thank you to the people of Honiton, Axminster and Seaton who have endorsed our message.

“I look forward to working with our new MP Richard Foord and helping to get the UK back on track.

“I would also like to thank Nub News for its fair and equitable coverage of the by-election.

“It is great to see a media outlet that serves its local community, putting local issues at the heart of its business.”

Nub News also conducted daily vox pops and even set up a local ‘People’s Panel’ of readers to comment on the by-election campaign ahead of the vote.

Editorial director of Nub News Mike Sassi said: “It’s always gratifying when a party leader takes time out to praise the quality of your independent, local journalism.

“Ed Davey was a regular visitor to our patch during the campaign so it was nice that he recognised the value of our local reporting.

“Nub News has local reporters on the ground, living and working in the constituency. Therefore we were able to set up our own local People’s Panel, organise pre-election local opinion polls and speak to voters on the streets of Honiton, Seaton and Axminster, every day.

“It was clear to us how the by-election was developing. The result was not a surprise to local people.”