REDDITCH MP Jacqui Smith believes the war in Iraq cost the Labour candidate as many as 100 votes in last week's by-election for the Crabbs Cross ward.
The seat, which came up for grabs after the resignation of Sarah Sulley in February, was won by fellow Tory David Smith, with 843 votes.
Labour's Les Smith received 532 votes and Liberal Democrat Adam Isherwood 138 votes.
A spokesman for Ms Smith's office said while canvassing in the run-up to the by-election, many Labour supporters said they would not vote because of their objections to the war.
Ms Smith said many Labour supporters had told her they were staying at home this time because they were unhappy with the war in Iraq.
The turnout was 26.85 per cent.
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