Liberal Democrat candidate Rachel Madden topped the poll, winning 168 votes compared to the Independent candidate's 63.

Labour, who for decades have dominated Ashfield politics, did not field a candidate.

The result builds on the recent successes the Liberal Democrats have had in Ashfield, becoming the largest party on Ashfield District Council in May, and a string of by-election successes since 2006.

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary spokesman for Ashfield, Coun Jason Zadrozny, said: "The Liberal Democrats are the clear challengers to Labour in Ashfield. Local people are telling us that they like our policies and what we are trying to do to improve the local area.

"This result also shows the depth of trouble Labour are in. Nobody was prepared to put themselves forward as a Labour candidate.

"The message on the doorstep was clear, people want a change in Ashfield and they see the Liberal Democrats as the party to deliver that change. There will be many Ashfield Labour county councillors who are having a few sleepless nights on hearing this result.

"I can't wait for the county council elections next year and the General Election, whenever Gordon Brown or whoever is Labour leader, plucks up the courage to call it."