The Eastleigh byelection shows localism still matters in politics, but symbolism is also potent

While it seemed likely on paper that the Conservatives would have reclaimed Eastleigh at the byelection, in practice it was the Liberal Democrat campaign on the doorsteps which secured their victory. Mark Garnett argues that this shows that local factors can still prevail within British politics but also points to UKIP’s success as testifying to the power of symbolism.