Clegg: Eastleigh result proves Lib Dems 'can still win'

The Deputy Prime Minister has congratulated his party for "holding their ground", following a Liberal Democrat victory in the Eastleigh by-election.

Mike Thornton held on to the Hampshire constituency for the Lib Dems by 1,771 votes and promised to be a "strong voice" in Parliament.

Nick Clegg said the by-election had been fought in "exceptionally difficult circumstances".

But he said the result proved "we can be a party of government and still win".