Tag Archives: aldc local government by-elections

One principal authority by-election took place this week in Swansea. The Conservatives were attempting to defend this council seat.

Swansea Council, Fairwood

This week’s by-election was triggered by the death of long-serving Conservative councillor Paxton Hood-Williams, who represented this council ward for over 20 years. At the most recent council elections in 2022, the Conservatives topped the poll, albeit with a much smaller majority than in 2017, whilst we finished in last place.

Turnout fell by nearly 10% in this by-election compared to 2022. We were able to leapfrog into first place, whilst the defending Conservatives plummeted down to fifth place.

Congratulations are due to Cllr Beth Rowe and the Swansea Liberal Democrats for this excellent result, substantially increasing our vote share here.

Liberal Democrats (Beth Rowe): 240 (29.3%, +19.9)
Labour: 185 (22.6%, –9.3)
Reform UK: 139 (17.0%, new)
Independent: 94 (11.5%, new)
Conservative: 84 (10.3%, –30.3)
Independent: 77 (9.4%, new)

Liberal Democrats GAIN from Conservative

Turnout: 37.7%

Thank you to all of our candidates, agents, and campaign teams. A full summary of these results, and all other principal council by-elections, can be found on the ALDC by-elections page here.

This week marks the last by-election of the 2025-26 electoral cycle, and this takes us to the small Worcestershire town of Tenbury Wells.

Malvern Hills DC, Tenbury

This week’s by-election was triggered by the resignation of Conservative councillor Andrew Willmont. He came second in this two-member seat in 2023, significantly ahead of his Conservative running-mate, representing Tenbury alongside a Malvern Hills Independent, who topped the polls.

Turnout rose 7.5% in this by-election compared to the 2023 all-ups, with Reform coming out on top, from a standing start. The Conservatives slipped to a distant second place, whilst us and the Greens were even further behind, in third and fourth respectively.

Thank you to Jed Marson and the local team for flying the Lib Dem flag.

Reform UK: 687 (45.1%, new)
Conservative: 461 (30.3%. -20.2)
Liberal Democrats (Jed Marson): 193 (12.7%, new)
Green Party: 182 (12.0%, new)

Reform UK GAIN from Conservative

Turnout: 40.5%

Thank you to all of our candidates, agents, and campaign teams. A full summary of these results, and all other principal council by-elections, can be found on the ALDC by-elections page here.

There was one principal council by-election this week, on Tuesday. After a previous absense on the ballot here, we were able to stand a canddiate.

In Wales, vote splintering meant that Reform UK were able to gain this seat from an independent, albeit with an unconvincing share of the vote. Thank you to Sam Warden and the local team for flying the Liberal Democrat flag.

Pembrokeshire County Council, Milford Hakin
Reform UK: 179 (27.1%, new)
Conservative: 144 (21.8%, +0.5%)
Independent (Bridges): 106 (16%, -14%)
Green Party: 85 (12.9%, new)
Liberal Democrats (Sam Warden): 57 (8.6%, new)
Independent (Edwards): 52 (7.9%, new)
Labour: 27 (4.1%, new)
Independent (Abbott): 11 (1.7%, new)

Reform GAIN from Independent

Turnout: 32.7%

Thank you to all of our candidates, agents, and campaign teams. A full summary of these results, and all other principal council by-elections, can be found on the ALDC by-elections page here.

There were five principal council by-elections this week, of which all had a Liberal Democrat candidate on the ballot. Three council seats were being defended by us.

We held this seat in the Cotswolds with a solid lead while the right‑of‑centre vote splintered, leaving Reform as the nearest challenger and the Conservatives slipping to third place. Congratulations are due to Councillor Paul Evans and the local Liberal Democrat team for ensuring that this seat remained Liberal Democrat.

Cotswold District Council, The Beeches
Liberal Democrats (Paul Evans): 390 (52.7%, -3.0)
Reform UK: 168 (22.7%, new)
Conservatives: 122 (16.5%, -17.9)
Green: 53 (7.2%, -3.0)
Labour: 7 (0.9%, new)

Liberal Democrat HOLD

Turnout: 33.8%


In Oxfordshire, we were able to gain this seat from the Greens in this two-member ward, with Reform finishing well behind in third place. Congratulations are due to Councillor Caleb Pell and the local Liberal Democrat team for this result.

Vale of White Horse District Council, Abingdon Abbey Northcourt
Liberal Democrats (Caleb Pell): 647 (43.7%, +1.9)
Green Party: 480 (32.5%, -3.3)
Reform UK: 204 (13.8%, new)
Conservative: 101 (6.8%, -5.7)
Labour: 47 (3.2%, -6.5)

Liberal Democrats GAIN from Green Party

Turnout: 31.6%


In Penrith, we were able to hold off Reform and ensure that we retained this council seat. Congratulations are due to Councillor Barbara Jayson and the local Liberal Democrat team.

Westmorland and Furness Council, Penrith South
Liberal Democrats (Barbara Jayson): 749 (43.1%, -1.5)
Reform UK: 588 (33.9%, new)
Green Party: 225 (13.0%, +2.6%)
Conservatives: 173 (10.0%, – 15.5%)

Liberal Democrat HOLD

Turnout 23.5%

Meanwhile, in Liverpool, we unsuccessfully defended this council seat, slipping behind the Greens. Commiserations are due to Dave Thomas and the local Liberal Democrat team.

This week, there was one principal council by-election down on the South Coast. With national attention staring north at the parliamentary by-election in Gorton and Denton, it offered a straightforward snapshot of how voters are moving locally.

In Southampton, we were defending the seat and held on in a close finish, staying just ahead of Labour. While the margin tightened, the seat stayed in our hands. The Greens made a clear step forward and Reform UK registered a noticeable first outing, yet neither was enough to shift the overall picture. Congratulations are due to Councillor Chris Shank and the local Liberal Democrat team for ensuring this seat remained ours.

Southampton City Council, Shirley
Liberal Democrats (Chris Shank): 975 (27.3%, –11.9)
Labour: 954 (26.7%, +2.7)
Reform UK: 681 (19.0%, new)
Green Party: 539 (15.1%, +12.0)
Conservative: 288 (8.1%, –13.7)
Independent: 122 (3.4%, new)
TUSC: 16 (0.4%, –0.8)

Liberal Democrats HOLD

Turnout: 35%

Thank you to all of our candidates, agents, and campaign teams. A full summary of these results, and all other principal council by-elections, can be found on the ALDC by-elections page here.

There were three principal council by-elections this week, and all three had a Liberal Democrat on the ballot.

In Redcar, this by‑election brought a much broader field than the last contest, with five parties on the ballot. Congratulations to Councillor Alison Barnes and the local Liberal Democrat team, who secured a convincing win, taking the seat from an Independent who had originally been elected for Labour.

Redcar  and Cleveland Council, Zetland
Liberal Democrats (Alison Barnes): 446 (50.8%, +15.5)
Labour: 191 (21.6%, –25.2)
Reform UK: 119 (13.5%, new)
Green Party: 65 (7.4%, new)
Conservative: 62 (7.0%, –10.9)

Liberal Democrats GAIN from Independent (elected as Labour)

Turnout: 26.78%

This week, there were two principal council by-elections. Only one contest had a Liberal Democrat candidate.

In the seaside town of Clevedon, where Labour was attempting to defend this seat, they managed to hold, albeit with an unconvincing margin against Reform. Thank you to Jude Chambers and the local Liberal Democrat team for flying the flag.

North Somerset Council, Clevedon South
Labour: 350 (29.0%, –25.4)
Reform UK: 334 (27.7%, new)
Conservative: 224 (18.6%, –27.0)
Green Party: 197 (16.3%, new)
Liberal Democrats (Jude Chambers): 100 (8.3%, new)

Labour HOLD

Turnout: 36.8%

There was no Liberal Democrat candidate in the Welsh contest. Here are the results:

Isle of Anglesey Council, Ynys Gyni
Reform UK: 603 (43.9%, new)
Plaid Cymru: 343 (25.0%, –3.7)
Labour: 171 (12.5%, –11.3)
Green Party: 118 (8.6%, new)
Conservative: 112 (8.2%, –13.1)
Independent: 26 (1.9%, new)

Reform UK GAIN from Plaid Cymru

Turnout: 33.3%

Thank you to all of our candidates, agents, and campaign teams. A full summary of these results, and all other principal council by-elections, can be found on the ALDC by-elections page here.

There was only one by-election this week. This was caused by the former councillor being sentenced to over 12 months in prison and therefore was disqualified.

In Scotland, the Conservatives couldn’t hold this seat and their first preference votes slipped to sixth place. We secured a commanding victory, with SNP and Reform trailing well behind us. Congratulations are due to Councillor Ben Langmead and the local team for this strong result, ahead of Scottish Parliament elections in May.

East Dunbartonshire Council, Bearsden South
First preferences:
Liberal Democrats (Ben Langmead): 1,744 (38.1%, +14.9)
SNP: 789 (17.2%, –6.2)
Reform UK: 709 (15.5%, new)
Labour: 650 (14.2%, –1.9)
Scottish Greens: 371 (8.1%, +0.9)
Conservative: 283 (6.2%, –17.0)
Scottish Family Party: 35 (0.8%, new)

Liberal Democrat GAIN from Conservative
Elected at Stage 5

Turnout: 42.7%

Thank you to all of our candidates, agents, and campaign teams. A full summary of these results, and all other principal council by-elections, can be found on the ALDC by-elections page here.

This week, there were five principal council by-elections. All of this week’s contests were in England, stretching from Blackpool, where the Christmas season is marked by the glow of the famous Illuminations, down to the Cornish coast at Newquay, and across to the eastern edge of the country at Lowestoft.

We start on the south bank of the River Ribble in Penwortham. We held this seat, pushed our vote share up and left Reform a long way behind. With Preston just over the bridge, and with us as the official opposition there, this is an area where visible local work still cuts through, and the result made that clear. Congratulations are due to Councillor Clare Burton‑Johnson and the local team for keeping the seat firmly in our hands.

South Ribble Borough Council, Broad Oak
Liberal Democrats (Clare Burton‑Johnston): 810 (65.9%, +0.4)
Reform UK: 263 (21.4%, new)
Conservative: 95 (7.7%, -9.5)
Labour: 62 (5.0%, -12.2)

Liberal Democrats HOLD

Turnout: 35.29%

This week, there were six local by-elections, of which three were Liberal Democrat defences.

In Watford, we secured a decisive win and defended this borough council seat. Congratulations are due to Councillor Callum Robinson and the local team for winning in Watford.

Watford Borough Council, Tudor
Liberal Democrats (Callum Robertson): 821 (52.6%, +4.3)
Reform UK: 433 (27.2%, +17.8 )
Conservative: 148 (9.3%, -10.5)
Labour: 111 (7.0%, -16.4)
Green Party: 77 (4.8%, new)

Liberal Democrats HOLD

In East Devon, we were able to ensure this seat remained Liberal Democrat, with a solid win over Reform UK. Congratulations are also due to Councillor Fran McElhone and the local team.

East Devon District Council, Exmouth Halsdon
Liberal Democrats (Fran McElhone): 551 (35.9%, -3.9)
Reform UK: 438 (28.5%, new)
Conservative: 393 (25.6%, -4.1)
Green Party: 153 (10.0%, new)

Liberal Democrats HOLD

Staying in Devon, we were able to gain this seat off the Conservatives, who were pushed down to third place. Congratulations too to Stephen Middleton and the local team for gaining another council seat for the Lib Dems.

Torridge District Council, Winkleigh
Liberal Democrats (Stephen Middleton): 325 (42.3%, +8.7)
Reform UK: 252 (32.8%, new)
Conservative: 191 (24.9%, -23.7)

Liberal Democrats GAIN from Conservative

This week saw three principal council by‑elections in England, each offering a glimpse into the shifting local political landscape. The most notable was in Pendle, where the Liberal Democrats faced the challenge of defending this council seat against the rising threat of Reform, whose presence on the ballot paper added uncertainty surrounding the contest.

Beginning in the town of Barlick, we were able to successfully defend this seat with a clear and decisive victory. Polling day happened to fall on Lancashire Day, even though the town itself has sat on the wrong side of the county line for the past fifty years. The Liberal Democrats strengthened our position, while both Labour and the Conservatives saw their vote collapse. Meanwhile, Reform UK made its first appearance here with a sizeable vote share but ultimately fell well short of mounting a serious challenge.

Congratulations are due to Councillor Bryony Hartley and the local team for ensuring this remained a Liberal Democrat seat.

Pendle Borough Council, Barnoldswick
Liberal Democrats (Bryony Hartley): 1,008 (59.8%, +1.5)
Reform UK: 441 (26.2%, new)
Conservative: 170 (10.1%, -11.7)
Labour: 66 (3.9%, -11.1)

Liberal Democrats HOLD

Turnout: 25.8%

This week, there were seven local by-elections, of which there was a Liberal Democrat candidate in all but one contest. The six-month rule has now come into effect for seats that are up in 2026, so no more for this cycle will be called.

We start in Stratford-on-Avon, where there were two by-elections. One was a Liberal Democrat defence, whilst the other saw the Conservatives defending their seat. In the former, we successfully defended this seat. However, in the latter seat Reform were able to successfully gain off the Conservatives, only 3 votes ahead of us. Congratulations are due to Paul Harrison for his win. Commiserations to Huw Lewis and the local team for the extremely close result.

Stratford-on-Avon District Council, Quinton
Liberal Democrats (Paul Harrison): 437 (47.3%, +3.5)
Reform UK: 306 (33.1%, new)
Conservatives: 137 (14.8%, –26.2)
Green Party: 35 (3.8%, –4.7)
Labour: 9 (1.0%, –5.7)

Liberal Democrats HOLD

Turnout: 30.41%

Stratford-on-Avon District Council, Salford Priors and Alcester Rural
Reform UK: 272 (33.3%, new)
Liberal Democrats (Huw Lewis): 269 (32.9%, +9.7)
Conservatives: 227 (27.8%, –29.1)
Green Party: 31 (3.8%, –5.3)
Labour: 18 (2.2%, –8.6)

Reform UK GAIN from Conservative

Turnout: 33%

This week, there were ten by-elections, of which two were on Tuesday. Three by-elections did not have a Liberal Democrat candidate.

Congratulations to Councillor Jan Goffey and the local Liberal Democrat team for gaining a seat in Devon, despite beginning from a standing start. We were able to secure a decisive victory, whilst both the Conservatives and an independent were vying for second place.

West Devon BC, Okehampton South
Liberal Democrats (Jan Goffey): 356 (57.1%, new)
Conservative: 152 (24.4%, -5.9)
Independent: 116 (18.6%, – 17.0)

Liberal Democrat GAIN from Green Party

Turnout: 22%

Congratulations are also due to Councillor Martin Redman and the local team, who were able to gain a seat off the Conservatives in Surrey. Meanwhile, Reform UK were able to secure a convincing second place, well ahead of the Conservatives who finished third.

Tandridge DC, Westway
Liberal Democrats (Martin Redman): 539 (42.3%, -0.6)
Reform UK: 420 (33.0%, new)
Conservative: 202 (15.9%, -13.3)
Labour: 112 (8.8%, -19.1)

Liberal Democrat GAIN from Conservative

Turnout: 25%

This week, there was seven by-elections, of which one was on Wednesday.

Congratulations to Councillor Alex Drage and the local Liberal Democrat team for holding our seat in Hart, despite a strong showing from Reform UK. We were able to secure a majority of the vote, demonstrating that we are the only party who can compete against Reform UK.

Hart DC, Yateley West
Liberal Democrats (Alex Drage): 1,101 (54.7%, -20.4)
Reform UK: 562 (27.9%, new)
Conservative: 348 (17.3%, -7.5)

Liberal Democrats HOLD

Turnout: 30%

Congratulations are also due to Councillor Kevin Smith and the local Liberal Democrat team, who managed to successfully gain a seat in central Devon. We were able to secure a decisive victory, leaving Reform UK in a distant second place.

Teignbridge DC, Kenn Valley
Liberal Democrats (Kevin Smith): 1,116 (50.4%, +11.0)
Reform UK: 512 (23.1%, new)
Conservative: 212 (9.6%, -19.0)
Independent (Lake): 181 (8.2%, new)
Green Party: 122 (5.5%, -13.9)
Labour: 59 (2.7%, -9.9)
Independent (Swain): 12 (0.5%, new)

Liberal Democrat GAIN from Conservative

Turnout: 31%

Well done to Councillor Stuart Bridge and the local Liberal Democrat team, as they were able to defend our seat in Bath, leaving the Greens behind in second place.

Bath and North East Somerset UA, Widcombe and Lyncombe
Liberal Democrats (Stuart Bridge): 769 (44.4%, -11.8)
Green Party: 267 (15.4%, +0.6)
Labour: 212 (12.2%, +4.7)
Reform UK: 206 (11.9%, new)
Conservative: 149 (8.6%, -12.8)
Independent (Nolan): 83 (4.7%, new)
Independent (Blackburn): 45 (2.5%, new)

Liberal Democrats HOLD

Turnout: 35%

In Corby, Reform UK were able to secure a close-fought victory against Labour. Thank you to Alex Lock and the local team for flying the Liberal Democrat flag.

North Northamptonshire UA, Lloyds and Corby Village
Reform UK: 754 (38.5%, +1.4)
Labour: 635 (32.4%, -12.7)
Green Party: 371 (18.9%, +9.4)
Liberal Democrats (Alex Lock): 113 (5.8%, +1.5)
Conservative: 86 (4.4%, -1.6)

Reform UK HOLD

Turnout: 22.8%


In Ormskirk, the localists Our West Lancashire (OWL) were able to secure a convincing victory, with Labour, the Conservatives and Reform UK all vying for second place. Thank you to Peter Chandler and the local team for flying the Liberal Democrat flag.

West Lancashire BC, Aughton and Holborn
OWL: 704 (35.5%, +10.4)
Reform UK: 478 (24.1%, +18.6)
Labour: 385 (19.4%, -21.3)
Conservative: 295 (14.9%, -8.7)
Green Party: 78 (3.9%, -1.1)
Liberal Democrats (Peter Chandler): 42 (2.1%, new)

OWL GAIN from Labour

Turnout: 30%


In Worcestershire, Reform UK were able to secure a solid win, with the Greens far behind in second place. Thank you to Matt Jones and the local team for flying the Liberal Democrat flag.

Wychavon DC, Bretforton and Offenham
Reform UK: 357 (43.5%, new)
Green Party: 213 (25.9%, new)
Conservative: 165 (20.1%, -35.4)
Labour: 33 (4.0%, -25.9)
Liberal Democrats (Matt Jones): 31 (3.8%, -10.7)
Independent: 12 (1.5%, new)
Independent: 10 (1.2%, new)

Reform UK GAIN from Conservative

Turnout: 36%


In Teesside, Reform UK achieved their record vote share in any election, leaving everyone else far behind. Thank you to Stuart Saunders and the local team for flying the Liberal Democrat flag.

This week, there were six by-elections, of which four had a Liberal Democrat candidate.

In Dorset, we were able to secure a convincing victory, with Reform UK and the Conservatives left trailing behind in a battle for second and third place. Congratulations to Councillor Dawn Logan and the local team for ensuring that we were able to gain this seat.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole UA, Talbot and Branksome Woods
Liberal Democrats (Dawn Logan): 910 (32.4%, -4.0)
Reform UK: 791 (28.2%, new)
Conservative: 770 (27.4%, -4.9)
Labour: 170 (6.1%, -5.7)
Green: 165 (5.9%, -6.6)

Liberal Democrats GAIN from Conservative

Turnout: 28.36%

In West Suffolk, it was a close-fought election with all five candidates polling strongly, but ultimately Reform UK secured victory. Thank you to Caroline Revitt and the local team for ensuring that we remained in third place here.

West Suffolk DC, Newmarket East
Reform UK: 343 (29.7%, new)
Conservative: 288 (25.0%, +4.1)
Liberal Democrats (Caroline Revitt): 199 (17.2%, -3.1)
Labour: 176 (15.3%, -8.3)
Green Party: 148 (12.8%, new)

Reform UK GAIN from Labour

Turnout: 28.57%

This week, there was only one-by election, where we were attempting to successfully defend a council seat.

Congratulations to Councillor Matt Fry and the local Liberal Democrat team for holding our seat in Luton with a strong result. Despite a crowded field and the entry of new parties into the race, the team secured a solid 41.3% of the vote, ensuring a Liberal Democrat hold.

Luton BC, Stopsley
Liberal Democrats (Matt Fry): 935 (41.3%, -36.3)
Reform UK: 820 (36.2%, new)
Labour: 251 (11.1%, -11.3)
Conservative: 152 (6.7%, new)
Green Party: 87 (3.8%, new)
Independent: 19 (0.8%, new)

Liberal Democrats HOLD

Turnout: 24.8%

This week, only one by-election had a Liberal Democrat candidate. The other saw the Conservatives attempting to defend their seat.

In London, Councillor Janet Grauberg and the team secured an impressive victory on Camden Council, with an impressive 15% increase in vote share. Congratulations to everyone involved in the local team!

Camden LBC, West Hampstead
Liberal Democrats (Janet Grauberg): 1,176 (54.4%, +15.4)
Labour: 458 (21.2%, -23.4)
Conservative: 222 (10.3%, -6.3)
Reform UK: 155 (7.2%, new)
Green Party: 152 (7.0%, new)

Liberal Democrats GAIN from Labour

Turnout: 26.44%

Here are the results of the by-election in Nottinghamshire, where there was no Liberal Democrat candidate.

Broxtowe BC, Nuthall East and Strelley
Conservative: 405 (28.6%, -16.5)
Reform UK: 400 (28.3%, new)
Broxtowe Alliance: 275 (19.4%, new)
Labour: 244 (17.2%, -20.1)
Green Party: 70 (4.9%, -6.7)
Independent: 21 (1.5%, new)

Conservative HOLD

Turnout: 35.22%

Thank you to all of our candidates, agents, and campaign teams. A full summary of these results, and all other principal council by-elections, can be found on the ALDC by-elections page here.