What I've never quite understood is why the by-election was such a long-term shift in the area's politics. Hughes was reelected easily in the next general election, and nowadays the area is pretty strong for Lib Dems in local government elections and such. Could someone explain this?
A certain type of Liberal has always been able to establish a certain type of local personality cult, given the right circumstances. Circumstances for Hughes (once elected) were absolutely ideal; my long post upthread more or less explains why. Since then the area has changed a lot, and in ways very favourable for a LibDem of the clean-up-this-dog-sh!t-now stripe.
Still, re-election is going to be tricky for him next time round.