VICTORY in the Humberston & New Waltham by-election shows that UKIP are a credible alternative to the main parties, according to the two men who will form the fourth political group on North East Lincolnshire Council.
As reported on www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk on Thursday night, Stephen Harness took the seat from the Conservatives, beating their candidate Harry Hall by more than 300 votes.
Labour's Ashley Smith was third with 470 votes, and Liberal Democrat Stephen Stead was fourth with 311 votes.
The result gives UKIP its second councillor on NELC, following Ron Shepherd's breakthrough in Scartho last year, which was also at the expense of the Conservatives.
Labour remain on 25 seats, the Conservatives 11, and the Lib Dems four.
Mr Harness said the response from people on the doorstep had been more positive than last year, when he came second to Conservative John Fenty.
He said that, while issues such as Scartho Baths and proposed housing developments in the ward had cropped up, the main message from voters was: "We want our country back."
Mr Harness added: "It is an honour to be elected. My campaign team have worked their socks off and I can't thank them enough. Obviously other parties will take notice of the result, and we are now looking towards the 2014 council and European elections.
"But my main job is to now work alongside the other two ward councillors for the benefit of the residents of Humberston and New Waltham."
Mr Harness said that forming a group would give UKIP a stronger voice on the council. He insisted that his colleague Councillor Shepherd would become group leader as he would still be learning the ropes.
Councillor Shepherd, who said no decision on the leadership had been made, added: "We are over the moon that we have done so well. We have got votes not just from Conservatives but from Labour as well and people are moving across to us because we are seen as a credible alternative and not a protest vote."
Conservative group leader Keith Brookes was gracious in congratulating Mr Harness on his victory, but said the result was more to do with Conservative voters staying at home in protest at national issues rather than an upsurge in support for UKIP.
He said: "It is a shame because this won't help them locally. My message to people would be to be very observant of the two UKIP councillors and see what they actually achieve."
Labour group leader Chris Shaw said it was the result he expected. Although he described UKIP as a one-issue party with no solid foundations, he said Conservative councillors defending their seats next year would be "looking over their shoulders" at their UKIP rivals.
Liberal Democrat group leader Andrew De Freitas said the result was a "warning for all the main parties".
ON THE WEB: Comment on the result at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk
THE GRIMSBY TELEGRAPH SAYS NORTH East Lincolnshire now has its second UKIP councillor. Now this is a local election and it is often said that voters will use this opportunity to register their dissatisfaction with the three main political parties and is this what has happened in our local authority area? Across Britain we seem to be losing faith in our political system and this country's ability to elect politicians who can put the needs of this nation above all else? There is certainly a growing unease about a number of issues. You read the pages of our viewpoint column and you will see those who are deeply concerned about the influx of migrants, the income tax system and the recent benefit changes – and these people will show their concern at the ballot box! *Do you believe the country is being badly run? Comment at www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk