Lib Dems in the Wantage constituency were reeling last night from a number of heavy defeats in local government by-elections. Of four by-elections held yesterday (13th March) the Lib Dems lost control of three seats!In Wantage, John Morgan was victorious in his bid to become District & Town Councillor for the Charlton Ward, seats previously held by the late Cllr Moley. The gain reduces the Lib Dem majority on the Vale District Council and loosens their grip on Wantage.At the same time, Cllr Bill Melotti slashed the Lib Dem County majority by 30%. In a tough fight, against very negative Lib Dem campaign, Conservatives put up a strong fight and lost our by only 115 votes. A very close run election that will cause the Lib Dems great concern that they have won by such a narrow margin in their Leader’s own division.Across the river in Wallingford the Lib Dems lost their County Council seat to a strong independent candidate. The Conservatives were the only major party that put up a real candidate for the seat, and Pat Dawe polled more than five times as many votes as the Labour Party.All in all this has been a devastating night for the Lib Dems. From four seats which they previously considered safe, they have been reduced to one very marginal seat. Conservatives in Vale are delighted to have welcomed their new colleague to the District Council, and the campaign begins today to take the County seat in next year’s all out elections.