The Conservatives easily won the Eddisbury by-election early today, taking the seat comfortably by 1,606 votes. Mr Stephen O'Brien polled 15,465 votes, ahead of Labour's Ms Margaret Hanson on 13,859, while Mr Paul Roberts of the Liberal Democrats was third with 4,757 votes.
The by-election was a key midterm test for the Prime Minister's popularity after Labour's poor showing in the devolution and European Parliament elections this summer.
The Conservative Party chairman, Mr Michael Ancram, claimed the result showed the voters felt "let down" by Labour.
In a statement he said: "This is an excellent result for us which builds on our success in the local and European elections.
"The people of Eddisbury have sent a clear message to Tony Blair - they feel let down by a Labour government that is failing to deliver on our hospitals, schools and roads.
"Labour conducted a wholly negative campaign of smears and dirty tricks, which was rejected by local people.
"In contrast, Stephen O'Brien fought a positive campaign that tackled all the issues that really matter to people. He will make an excellent MP."