LAST week saw the Eastleigh byelection; an admirable result for the Liberal Democrats who retained their seat. However, the media’s focus has turned to the implications for the Conservatives after the high turnout for UKIP.

The Liberal Democrats ran an effective local campaign from a very strong base of support in a constituency they have represented for 19 years; they also hold 40 out of 44 councillors on the local council.

It should be remembered that governing parties have won just four of the 485 by-elections since 1945 so I was not too hopeful for my party from the outset.

Nevertheless, it is quite clear that people are concerned and frustrated about issues such as Europe and immigration.

When the outcome of the byelection would not change who was running the country, some were prepared to express their frustration. This is understandable – but it is my hope that the progress that is being made is more effectively communicated in the coming months.

q Ironically, last Thursday also saw the publication of the latest migration statistics that show another significant fall in net migration – down almost a third since the election. Net migration was 163,000 for the year ending June 2012, down from 247,000 in 2011 – a fall of 84,000.

This is a positive sign and shows that the government is right on track to bring net migration down from the hundreds of thousands to tens of thousands by the end of this parliament.

Of total immigration, 55 per cent were nationals from outside the European Economic Area (EEA), 30 per cent were from inside the EEA and five per cent were returning British citizens.

q Focus at Westminster will now shift to the budget – happening in two weeks’ time. I hope this will allow the Chancellor to put in place funded measures to do more to secure investment decisions from businesses which will drive growth in the economy.

q I am pleased to hear that Wiltshire Council will be freezing council tax for the third consecutive year, thereby easing some of the considerable pressures on hard-working families’ budgets while retaining investment in services for children and older residents.