Tag Archives: aldc local government by-elections

ALDC’s by-election report 09.10.25

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.

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ALDC by-election report, 11th September

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%

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ALDC by-election report, 4th September

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%

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ALDC by-election report, 28th August

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.

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ALDC by-election report, 21st August

It has been a bumper package of by-elections this week, with eight polls for nine seats, including the replacement of a double-hatted councillor.

In Hinchley Wood, Claygate & Oxshott, Councillor Andy Burton and the team pulled off a great victory on Surrey County Council, which sees the end of Conservative control of the county. Congratulations!

Surrey County Council, Hinchley Wood, Claygate & Oxshott
Liberal Democrats (Andy Burton): 1,656 (38.1%, -6.2)
Conservative: 1,346 (31.0%, -16.0)
Independent: 659 (15.2%, new)
Reform UK: 551 (12.7%, +8.3)
Green Party: 101 (2.3%, new)
Labour: 31 (0.7%, -3.6)

Liberal Democrats GAIN from Conservative

Turnout: 34%

In East Hampshire, congratulations are also due to Councillor Lizzie Marshall and the team for this solid hold, with an increase in vote share!

East Hampshire District Council, Alton Amery
Liberal Democrats (Lizzie Marshall): 407 (54.9%, +1.6)
Reform UK: 189 (25.5%, new)
Conservative: 145 (19.6%, -9.9)

Liberal Democrat HOLD

Turnout: 36.45%

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ALDC by-election report, 7th August

In Llanelli, Reform UK were able to secure a decisive victory against Labour, who were attempting to defend the seat. Thank you to Justin Griffiths and the local team for flying the Liberal Democrat flag.

Carmarthenshire, Llangennech
Reform UK: 694 (43.1%, new)
Plaid Cymru: 489 (30.4%, -7.2)
Labour: 380 (23.6%, -38.8)
Liberal Democrats (Justin Griffiths): 26 (1.6%, new)
Conservative: 14 (0.9%, new)
Gwlad: 6 (0.4%, new)

Reform UK GAIN from Labour

Turnout: 39.37%

In County Durham, Reform UK were able to secure a convincing victory against Labour and two independents, marking the first time that Reform UK have successfully defended a seat. Thank you to Chukwuka Okuchukwu and the local team for flying the Liberal Democrat flag.

Durham CC, Easington & Shotton
Reform UK: 1,208 (46.7%, -3.5)
Labour: 523 (20.2%, +0.8)
Independent: 520 (20.1%, -1.6)
Independent: 179 (6.9%, new)
Green: 60 (2.3%, new)
Conservative: 47 (1.8%, -2.6)
Liberal Democrats (Chukwuka Okuchukwu): 27 (1.0%, -3.2)
Independent: 23 (0.9%, new)

Reform UK HOLD

Turnout: 21.7%

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ALDC by-election report, 31st July

In Barnstaple, we secured victory, successfully defending the seat. Well done to Josh Rutty and the local team for ensuring this seat remained in Liberal Democrats’ control.

North Devon DC, Barnstaple with Westacott
Liberal Democrats (Josh Rutty): 505 (40.5%, +0.5)
Reform UK: 383 (30.7%, new)
Conservative: 205 (16.4%, -6.1)
Green Party: 154 (12.3%, -2.4)

Liberal Democrat HOLD

Turnout: 22.27%

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ALDC by-election report, 24th July

In Berkhamsted, we secured an overwhelming victory, successfully defending this seat. Well done to Cllr Will Jankowski and the local team for ensuring this seat remained in Liberal Democrats’ control.

Dacorum BC, Berkhamsted West
Liberal Democrats (Will Jankowski): 643 (56.4%, -2.0)
Conservative: 357 (31.3%, +8.5)
Green Party: 99 (8.7%, -0.4)
Labour: 41 (3.6%, -6.1)

Liberal Democrats HOLD

Turnout: 24.47%

In Rutland, the Conservatives were able to secure victory, gaining this seat off the Green Party. Well done to Jonathan Nichols and the local team for ensuring that we finished in second place.

Rutland Council, Barleythorpe
Conservative: 209 (35.9%)
Liberal Democrat (Jonathan Nichols): 136 (23.4%)
Reform UK: 123 (21.1%)
Independent: 114 (19.6%)

Conservative GAIN from Green Party

Turnout: 29.3%

In Swanage, the Conservatives secured yet another victory, with an exceedingly high by-election turnout of over 45%. Well done to Poppy Maltby and the local team for increasing our vote share by over 10%.

Dorset Council, Swanage
Conservative: 1254 (35.3%, -0.4)
Reform UK: 748 (21.0%, new)
Liberal Democrats (Poppy Maltby): 737 (20.7%, +12.8)
Independents for Dorset: 415 (11.7%, -7.7)
Labour: 400 (11.3%, -19.4)

Conservative HOLD

Turnout: 45.4%

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ALDC by-election report, 17th July

In Market Harborough, the Conservatives secured a close-fought victory against us. Commiserations to Roger Dunton and the local team for the result here.

Harborough DC, Market Harborough-Logan
Conservative: 410 (31.3%, +4.1)
Liberal Democrats (Roger Dunton): 355 (27.1%, -19.8)
Green Party: 290 (22.2%, +14.5)
Reform UK: 190 (14.5%, new)
Labour: 44 (3.4%, -9.1)
Independent: 10 (0.8%, -4.8)
Communist: 9 (0.7%, new)

Conservative GAIN from Liberal Democrats

In Liverpool, the Green Party successfully defended seat, albeit with a decrease in their vote share. Well done to Tristan Paul and the local team for increasing our vote share by over 15%.

Liverpool City Council, Sefton Park
Green Party: 468 (49.8%, -7.0)
Labour: 211 (22.4%, -11.1)
Liberal Democrats (Tristan Paul): 193 (20.5%, +15.4)
Reform UK: 54 (5.7%, new)
Conservative: 14 (1.5%, -3.0)

Green Party HOLD

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ALDC by-election report, 3rd July

This week, there were two Wednesday by-elections, both in North Tyneside. Reform UK secured a seat from Labour in Killingworth, whilst the other by-election saw Labour hold their seat in Longbenton & Benton. Thank you to Emma Vinton, David Nisbet and the team for flying the Lib Dem flag.

North Tyneside MBC, Longbenton & Benton
Labour: 739 (39.6%, -16.8)
Reform UK: 602 (32.3%, +19.3)
Green Party: 259 (13.9%, -7.8)
Liberal Democrats (David Nisbet): 183 (9.8%, new)
Conservative: 83 (4.4%, new)

Labour HOLD

North Tyneside MBC, Killingworth
Reform UK: 771 (38.5%, new)
Labour: 639 (31.9%, -22.7)
Conservative: 441 (21.4%, -3.5)
Green Party: 85 (4.2%, -16.3)
Liberal Democrats (Emma Vinton): 81 (4.0%, new)

Reform UK GAIN from Labour

In Consett, we managed to secure victory against Reform UK, after their previous councillor was forced to resign due to his undeclared council employment. Well done to Terry Rooney and the local Liberal Democrat team for ensuring victory and gaining another seat in Durham.

Durham County Council, Benfieldside
Liberal Democrats (Terry Rooney): 824 (28.3%, +17.3)
Labour: 800 (27.4%, +0.8)
Reform UK: 747 (25.6%, -6.6)
Independent: 459 (15.7%, -8.0)
Conservative: 76 (1.6%, -5.0)
Green Party: 40 (1.4%, new)

Liberal Democrat GAIN from Reform UK

In Powys, there was a missed opportunity for Reform UK in a closely-fought fight against us. Well done to Fleur Frantz-Mogans and the local team for ensuring we were able to hold the seat and remain the largest party in Powys.

Powys, Llanidloes
Liberal Democrats (Fleur Frantz-Mogans): 557 (35.5%, +5.2)
Reform UK: 551 (35.1%, new)
Plaid Cymru: 225 (14.3%, +1.9)
Conservative: 118 (7.5%, -7.7)
Labour: 112 (7.1%, -4.8)
Independent: 6 (0.4%, new)

Liberal Democrat HOLD

In Somerset, we were able to hold onto our seat with an overwhelming victory. Well done to Simon McCombe and the local team for ensuring victory and remain the largest party on Bath and NES council. 

Bath and North East Somerset Council, Mendip
Liberal Democrats (Simon McCombe): 496 (57.1%, -18.2)
Reform UK: 191 (22.0%, new)
Conservative: 84 (9.7%, +6.7)
Green Party: 57 (6.6%, +2.0)
Labour: 40 (4.6%, +0.9)

Liberal Democrat HOLD

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ALDC by-election Report, 19th June

In Scotland, we won another council seat after ranked preferences were accounted for. Well done to Kevin McKay and the team for securing another Liberal Democrat councillor in Edinburgh.

City of Edinburgh Council, Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart
1st Preferences:
Labour: 1,293 (20.8%, -1.7)
Liberal Democrats (Kevin McKay): 1,269 (20.4%, +13.3)
Scottish Greens: 1,133 (18.2%, -1.7)
SNP: 905 (14.5%, -8.2)
Conservative: 857 (13.8%, -12.8)
Reform UK: 489 (7.9%, new)
Independent: 111 (0.6%, new)
Independent: 99 (0.6%, new)
SFP: 34 (0.5%, -0.2)
LBT: 25 (0.4%, -0.1)
Independent: 25 (0.4%, new)
Independent: 9 (0.1%, new)

Liberal Democrat GAIN from Labour

We secured an overwhelming victory, with almost 65% of votes, for a seat on Mid Devon District Council. Well done to Tim Stanford and the team for ensuring that this council seat remains with the Liberal Democrats.

Mid Devon DC, Crediton Lawrence
Liberal Democrats (Tim Stanford): 540 (64.9%, +12.8)
Reform UK: 226 (27.2%, new)
Labour: 66 (7.9%, -18.3)

Liberal Democrat HOLD

Despite our vote share percentage decreasing by over 10%, we still managed to hold our seat on Rother District Council. Well done to Nicola Mclaren and the team for their efforts in ensuring this council seat remains Liberal Democrat. 

Rother District Council, Catsfield & Crowhurst
Liberal Democrats (Nicola Mclaren): 267 (36.6%, -11.9)
Reform UK: 200 (27.4%, new)
Conservative: 162 (22.2%, -10.9)
Labour: 101 (13.8%, -4.7)

Liberal Democrat HOLD

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ALDC by-election Report, 19th June

This week saw the first time that the Liberal Democrats had stood a candidate in the Ashford Town ward (Spelthorne) since 2007. An extremely strong campaign by us saw the Lib Dems gaining the seat from the Conservatives. Well done to Gregory Neall and the team for leaping ahead of the others and winning the seat, despite not standing in Ashford Town for nearly 20 years.

Spelthorne BC, Ashford Town
Liberal Democrats (Gregory Neall): 539 (27.4%, new)
Reform UK: 459 (23.4%, +21.0)
Conservative: 374 (19.0%, -18.4)
Labour: 234 (11.9%, -2.2)

Liberal Democrats GAIN from Conservative

The Highlands saw two by-elections being held. Whilst Cromarty Firth saw a missed opportunity for the crowded field of independent candidates, in Eilean a’ Cheò we came a close second place, greatly improving on our vote share. Thank you to Ross Costigane, Fay Thomson and the Highland team for their efforts, particularly in Eilean a’ Cheò.

Highland Council, Eilean a’ Cheò
Independent (Gillies): 823 (23.5%, new)
Liberal Democrats (Fay Thomson): 741 (21.6%, +18.1)
Independent (Dickson): 655 (18.7%, new)
SNP: 527 (15.1%, -7.1)
Independent (MacDonald): 276 (7.3%, new)
Scottish Greens: 239 (6.8%, new)
Reform UK: 157 (4.5%, new)
Conservative: 86 (2.5%, -8.2)

Independent (Gillies) GAIN from Independent

Highland Council, Cromarty Firth
SNP: 568 (23.8%, +6.8)
Independent (Cross): 503 (21.1%, +9.1)
Independent (Rattray): 368 (15.4%, +1.8)
Reform UK: 348 (14.6%, +11.4)
Liberal Democrats (Ross Costigane): 290 (12.2%, -8.1)
Scottish Greens: 92 (3.9%, +0.1%)
Alba: 91 (3.8%, new)
Labour: 77 (3.2%, -0.0)
Conservative: 48 (2.0%, -0.4)

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ALDC by-election Report, 12th June

This week saw the first non-Thursday by-election of the new cycle, with a Labour defence in Stroud on Wednesday. The Green Party narrowly beat Reform UK and the Conservatives, as Labour were pushed into fourth place. Thank you to Mike Stayte and the team for flying the Lib Dem flag mid-week.

Stroud District Council, Severn
Green Party: 439 (27.8%, +10.0)
Conservative: 425 (26.9%, -6.6)
Reform UK: 421 (26.7%, new)
Labour: 177 (11.2%, -21.3)
Liberal Democrats (Mike Stayte): 112 (7.1%, -9.1)
UKIP: 5 (0.3%, new)

Green Party GAIN from Labour

This was followed by four Thursday elections, three of which had a Liberal Democrat on the ballot. It was another Green Party victory in Mid Suffolk, this time a hold. Thank you to Tim Glenton and the team for getting the Lib Dems onto the ballot this time, when we weren’t previously.

Mid Suffolk District Council, Haughley, Stowupland & Wetherden
Green Party: 901 (64.1%, -12.7)
Conservative: 444 (31.6%, +8.4)
Liberal Democrats (Tim Glenton): 61 (4.3%, new)

Green Party HOLD

In Leeds, Reform UK continued their strong performance against localists, this time gaining from Morley Borough Independents. Well done to Michael Fox and the team for jumping up into third place with a great vote share increase!

Leeds City Council MBC, Morley South
Reform UK: 2,119 (36.8%, +29.8)
Morley Borough Independents: 1,450 (25.2%, -12.9)
Liberal Democrats (Michael Fox): 1,009 (17.5%, +15.9)
Labour: 634 (11.0%, -20.3)
Green Party: 313 (4.3%, new)
Conservative: 230 (4.0%, -5.6)

Reform UK GAIN from Morley Borough Independents

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ALDC by-election Report, 5th June

This week may have seen a Parliamentary by-election, in Scotland, but there is plenty to report on the local election front, with eight principal local authority polls, each with a Liberal Democrat candidate. Despite the talk of multi-party politics, in terms of local by-elections, it seems to have been a period of 2-party politics win-wise, (albeit not the traditional one), since 1st May. Today’s wins split four each for the Liberal Democrats and Reform UK.

Let’s start in Wokingham, which garnered interest from several parties. Maiden Erlegh & Whitegates is a Conservative defence in a Labour constituency and a Liberal Democrat-run council, and Reform were looking to come through the middle. The Lib Dems have been running the council by virtue of the mayor’s casting vote, but a victory here would give us outright control of the council. Congratulations therefore to Cllr Mike Smith and the Lib Dem team for not only a great council seat gain, but a great council gain too!

Wokingham Borough Council, Maiden Erlegh & Whitegates
Liberal Democrats (Mike Smith): 1028 (31.2%, +3.2)
Labour: 793 (24.1%, -0.2)
Conservative: 788 (23.9%, -4.2)
Reform UK: 486 (14.8%, new)
Green Party: 180 (5.5%, -6.2)
TUSC: 17 (0.5%, new)

Liberal Democrats GAIN from Conservative

There were three polls in West Sussex, where the Lib Dems were looking to defend two and gain one. Congratulations to Cllr Sam Raby for a great gain from the Conservatives, whilst holding of a Reform challenge.

West Sussex County Council, St Leonard’s Forest
Liberal Democrats (Sam Raby): 644 (32.5%, +2.2)
Reform UK: 584 (29.5%, new)
Conservative: 401 (20.2%, -34.3)
Green Party: 259 (13.1%, new)
Labour: 94 (4.7%, -10.4)

Liberal Democrats GAIN from Conservative

The other two West Sussex by-elections were defences in Burgess Hill. First, congratulations to Cllr Jane Davey, whose vote share held up despite Reform UK entering the field.

West Sussex County Council, Burgess Hill North
Liberal Democrats (Jane Davey): 1088 (40.9%, +0.0)
Reform UK: 707 (26.6%, new)
Conservative: 618 (23.3%, -14.9)
Green Party: 153 (5.8%, -5.4)
Labour: 92 (3.5%, -6.2)

Liberal Democrats HOLD

Congratulations too to Cllr Erika Woodhurst-Trueman, who strongly held with over half of the vote.

West Sussex County Council, Hassocks & Burgess Hill South
Liberal Democrats (Erika Woodhurst-Trueman): 1694 (55.3%, -6.6)
Reform UK: 762 (24.9%, new)
Conservative: 310 (10.1%, -15.9)
Green Party: 175 (5.7%, new)
Labour: 123 (4.0%, -8.1)

Liberal Democrats HOLD

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ALDC by-election Report, 29th May

This week saw 4 by-elections, with 3 Liberal Democrat candidates. We get to celebrate one hold, one gain, and one ward having a Lib Dem candidate where there was none last time around.

In Lewes, the Lib Dems have held Newhaven North, where the outgoing councillor had previously switched to independent. Congratulations to Cllr Corina Watts and the team, who increased vote share, whilst holding off a Reform challenge.

Lewes District Council, Newhaven North
Liberal Democrats (Corina Watts): 697 (51.7%, +4.1)
Reform UK: 389 (28.9%, new)
Green Party: 122 (9.1%, +1.8)
Conservative: 59 (4.4%, -14.2)
Independent: 57 (4.2%, -22.2)
Labour: 23 (1.7%, new)

Liberal Democrats HOLD

Meanwhile, in Maldon, Cllr Sarah Dodsley again held off a Reform challenge to gain from the Maldon District Independent Group, in a ward where the Lib Dems hold the other seat. Congratulations to Sarah and the team!

Maldon District Council, Maldon West
Liberal Democrats (Sarah Dodsley): 573 (41.5%, +6.8)
Reform UK: 488 (35.3%, new)
Conservative: 204 (14.8%, -2.6)
Maldon District Inds: 83 (6.0%, -28.5)
Green Party: 33 (2.4%, new)

Liberal Democrats GAIN from Maldon District Independent Group

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ALDC by-election report, 22nd May

 Three by-elections on Thursday 22nd May, and a trio of Liberal Democrat defences. 

In Horsham, there was a by-election to fill the seat vacated by new Liberal Democrat MP John Milne. Congratulations to Cllr Louise Potter and the team on a good hold! 

West Sussex County Council, Horsham Riverside
Liberal Democrats (Louise Potter): 1193 (45.7%)
Conservative: 569 (21.8%)
Reform UK: 547 (21.0%)
Labour: 181 (6.9%)
Green Party: 118 (4.5%)

Liberal Democrats HOLD 

A successful defence too on Eastleigh Council, where Cllr John Shepherd was elected to be Lib Dem group leader Keith House’s latest ward colleague. Congratulations! 

Eastleigh Borough Council, Hedge End South
Liberal Democrats (John Shepherd): 1266 (44.4%, -8.7)
Conservative: 735 (25.8%, -3.8)
Reform UK: 728 (25.5%, new)
Labour: 122 (4.3%, -6.6)

Liberal Democrats HOLD 

Congratulations too, in Sutton, where a potentially tricky by-election defence in a Conservative / Lib Dem split ward was emphatically won by Cllr Lisa Webster. 

Sutton London Borough Council, Carshalton South & Clockhouse
Liberal Democrats (Lisa Webster):1674 (52.2%, +12.1)
Conservative: 767 (23.9%, -18.2)
Reform UK: 573 (17.9%, new)
Labour: 89 (2.8%, -5.4)
Green Party: 79 (25.5%, -7.1)
CPA: 23 (0.7%, new) 

Liberal Democrats HOLD 

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ALDC By-election Report, 15th May

This week saw 4 by-elections with 3 Liberal Democrat candidates – an improvement on last time these wards were up for election. These were two Labour defences, with one each defended by the Conservatives and the SNP.

The Lib Dems were new onto the ballot in Whetstone ward in Barnet, as Luigi Bille secured 6.1% of the vote in a crowded field. Thank you, Luigi, for entering us into the race!

Barnet London Borough Council, Whetstone
Labour: 965 (33.4%, -18.0)
Conservative: 818 (28.4%, -7.8)
Reform UK: 592 (20.5%, new)
Green Party: 208 (7.2%, -5.1)
Liberal Democrats (Luigi Bille): 176 (6.1%, new)
Rejoin EU: 65 (2.3%, new)
TUSC: 47 (1.6%, new)
Independent: 13 (0.5%, new)

Labour HOLD

 

Another place we were new onto the ballot was Clydebank Waterfront in West Dunbartonshire. Lib Dem candidate Cameron Stewart finished ahead of both the Conservatives and the Greens. Thank you, Cameron.

West Dunbartonshire Council, Clydebank Waterfront
SNP: 1039 (35.6%, -16.7)
Reform UK: 768 (26.3%, new)
Labour: 739 (25.3%, -12.1)
Liberal Democrats (Cameron Stewart): 138 (4.7%, new)
Conservative: 84 (2.9%, new)
Green Party: 76 (2.6%, new)
Alba: 47 (1.6%, new)
SFP: 25 (0.9%, -1.7)

SNP HOLD

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ALDC By-Election Report, 8th May

Following the 95 local by-elections we saw on the undercard for the 1st May elections, we returned this week to a rather more sedentary two. On Thursday 8th May, there was a Labour defence in Calderdale, and a Liberal Democrat defence in Eastleigh.

Congratulations to Cllr Mark Harding and the team in Eastleigh, for not only successfully defending the Eastleigh Central seat, but increasing the Lib Dem vote share.

Eastleigh District Council, Eastleigh Central
Liberal Democrats (Mark Harding): 1020 (46.6%, +9.2)
Reform UK: 611 (27.9%, +20.0)
Labour: 319 (14.6%, -18.8)
Conservative: 149 (6.8%, -7.0)
Independent: 90 (4.1%, new)
Liberal Democrat HOLD

Elsewhere, Alexander Gow flew the Lib Dem flag in Skircoat, whilst Labour lost to Reform. Well done to the team in Calderdale for adding to the share of the vote here, and overtaking the Conservatives in the process!

Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council, Skircoat
Reform UK: 1392 (36.8%, new)
Labour: 1059 (28%, -23.1)
Green Party: 566 (14.96%, +0.2)
Liberal Democrats (Alexander Gow): 411 (10.9%, +2.7)
Conservative: 355 (9.4%, -15.7)
Reform UK GAIN from Labour

Thank you to all of our candidates, agents, and campaign teams.

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ALDC By-election Report, 3rd April

This has been our most successful week of by-elections for quite some time. There were only 3 contests this week – and 2 of them resulted in Liberal Democrat gains! Quite spectacular gains too. So let’s celebrate some cracking results that will hopefully be just the start of a very successful month for us!

First of all congratulations to Cllr Susan Grounds and the team on Neath Port Talbot Council who gained Ystalyfera and Cwmllynfell ward from Plaid Cymru. Not only did we not stand in this seat in the previous election in 2022 – this is our first principal council by-election gain in Wales since 2019.

From a standing start we picked up 34% of the vote and jumped ahead of both Plaid and Labour whose votes collapsed by 26.5% and 30% respectively.

Neath Port Talbot Council, Ystalyfera and Cwmllynfell
Liberal Democrats (Susan Grounds): 383 (34%, new)
Plaid Cymru: 340 (30.2%, -26.5%)
Reform: 150 (13.3%, new)
Labour: 143 (12.7%, -30.6%)
Independent: 98 (8.7%, new)
Conservative: 12 (1%, new)

We also gained Park ward on City of Lincoln Council from Labour. Cllr Sarah Uldall increased the Lib Dem vote by 28.5% and beat Labour by a solid margin of 84 votes. We finished over 300 votes behind last time. Congratulations to Sarah and the team in Lincoln on a superb gain.

Lincoln City Council, Park
Liberal Democrats (Sarah Uldall): 366 (35.7%, +28.5%)
Labour: 280 (27.3%, -36.1%)
Reform: 180 (17.5%, +17.5%)
Conservative: 87 (8.5%, -9%)
Green Party: 87 (8.5%, -1.8%)
TUSC: 25 (2.4%, new)

Posted in News | 9 Comments

ALDC By-Election Report, 20th March

This week saw 6 principal council by-elections held across England and Scotland, with the Conservatives, Labour, and Lib Dems each defending 2. The Lib Dems lost a seat to the Tories while Labour lost both of their Scottish defences to the SNP. The Lib Dems and Tories both held the remaining seats.

The headline win this week belongs to Cllr Bradley Nelson and the team in Mole Valley DC, who won the seat in Holmwoods & Beare Green by a huge margin. Congratulations to Cllr Bradley and the team on the win!

Mole Valley DC, Holmwoods & Beare Green
Liberal Democrat (Bradley Nelson): 748 (46.5%, +1.1%)
Conservative: 437 (27.2%, -2.8%)
Reform: 348 (21.6%, +11.5%)
Green Party: 76 (4.7%, -3.6%)

The other Lib Dem defence this week was held on Wednesday. In the Abbots Langley & Bedmond ward in Three Rivers DC, the Conservative vote doubled, leading us to slip to second place. Thank you to Aidan Betley and the local team for running a hard fought campaign, so close.

Three Rivers DC, Abbots Langley & Bedmond
Conservative: 657 (40.0%, +19.9%)
Liberal Democrat (Aidan Bentley): 552 (33.6%, -24.9%)
Reform: 214 (13.0%, new)
Green Party: 128 (7.8%, +0.3%)
Labour: 91 (5.5%, -8.3%)

Posted in Council by-elections | 6 Comments

ALDC by-election Report, 6th March

This week with its 9 principal councils saw mostly successful defences this week across all political parties, with only 2 exchanging hands. A huge gain for the Lib Dems from the Tories thanks to our consistent performance, and another for an independent councillor from a slumping Labour. The Conservatives and Labour both held their remaining 2 seats respectively, while the Lib Dems, the Green Party, and Plaid Cymru all held theirs.

Part of the only 2 gains this week, Cllr Andy Bell managed to gain the seat in Vivary Bridge, Vivary Bridge from the Conservatives, who fell to third place this time around behind Reform. Congratulations to Andy and the team for the monumental win!

Pendle BC, Vivary Bridge
Liberal Democrat (Andy Bell): 388 (34.9%, +3.5%)
Reform: 358 (32.2%, new)
Conservative: 244 (22.0%, -16.9%)
Labour: 121 (10.9%, -11.9%)

In Eastleigh BC, Cllr Prad Bains gathered over half of the vote in the Hamble & Netley ward, holding the seat. Congrats to Prad and the local team for the fabulous win, towering over second place Reform.

Eastleigh BC, Hamble & Netley
Liberal Democrat (Prad Bains): 1224 (52.1%, -6.7%)
Reform: 542 (23.1%, new)
Conservative: 421 (17.9%, +3.0%)
Labour: 164 (7.0%, +0.5%)

Posted in Op-eds | 7 Comments

ALDC By-election report, 27th February

We celebrated 2 principal council by-election wins this week. Thank you to everyone who stood and campaigned for us. We enjoyed some fantastic results.

In East Suffolk DC we held Woodbridge ward with a spectacular 25% increase in our share of the vote. Congratulations to Cllr Ruth Leach and everyone who supported the campaign. It is our best vote share increase of the year so far.

East Suffolk DC, Woodbridge
Liberal Democrats (Ruth Leach): 1023 (53.6%, +25.4%)
Conservative: 391 (20.5%, +1%)
Reform: 274 (14.4%, new)
Labour: 219 (11.5%, -8.4%)

In Westmoreland and Furness Council we held Eamont and Shap ward – also increasing our vote share and securing a whopping 67% of the vote. Congratulations to Cllr Nicki Vecqueray and the local team on such a comprehensive victory.

Westmorland and Furness, Eamont and Shap
Liberal Democrats (Nicki Vecqueray): 789 (67.2%, +1.5%)
Conservative: 241 (20.5%, -13.8%)
PCF: 76 (6.5%, new)
Green Party: 68 (5.8%, new)

Posted in News | 1 Comment

ALDC By-election Report, 20th February

There are 6 principal councils by-elections this week held across England and Scotland. Labour suffered big losses vote share wise but managed to hold 3 out of 4 of their seats, losing one to the SNP. Meanwhile, the Conservatives and Lib Dems also comfortably held their seats in their respective wards.

In Brent LBC, Cllr Charlie Clinton comfortably held the seat in the Alperton ward while second place Labour’s vote collapsed. Congratulations to Cllr Charlie and the team for the win and securing our place on the council!

Brent LBC, Alperton
Liberal Democrat (Charlie Clinton): 1743 (48.5%, +2.0%)
Labour: 827 (23.0%, -18.3%)
Conservative: 740 (20.6%, +8.4%)
Reform: 286 (8.0%, new)

Labour held all three other seats in London councils this week, each with a huge loss in vote share in each one. In Hammersmith & Fulham LBC, Labour lost their 50% majority in the Lillie ward and a quarter of their existing voters in Hammersmith Broadway; a similar story in Barking & Dagenham, Whalebone. Thank you to Conor Campbell, Meerav Shah, and Herbert Munangatire for representing the Lib Dems in the respective wards, all growing our vote share.

Hammersmith & Fulham LBC, Lillie
Labour: 446 (40.4%, -22.5%)
Conservative: 352 (30.5%, +4.9%)
Liberal Democrat (Conor Campbell): 212 (18.4%, +6.9%)
Reform: 123 (10.7%, new)

Hammersmith & Fulham LBC, Hammersmith Broadway
Labour: 578 (53.4%, -18.2%)
Reform: 148 (13.7%, new)
Conservative: 144 (13.3%, -5.5%)
Liberal Democrat (Meerav Shah): 135 (12.5%, +2.9%)
Green Party: 77 (7.1%, new)

Barking & Dagenham LBC, Whalebone
Labour: 625 (54.9%, -15.6%)
Conservative: 287 (25.2%, -4.2%)
Green Party: 117 (10.3%, new)
Liberal Democrat (Herbert Munangatire): 109 (9.6%, new)

Posted in News | 2 Comments

ALDC by-election Report, 6th February

Welcome back from the break! There were 6 principal council seats up for election last week: 4 Labour, 1 Conservative, and 1 Lib Dem defence. Labour continues to decline, holding only one seat while losing two to Reform and one to the Conservatives. The Tories also lost their seat to Reform, while the Lib Dems held their only seat of the week.

In Wokingham BC, Cllr Chetna Jamthe secured over 50% of the vote and maintained a healthy lead over second place Conservative candidate. Well done and congratulations to Chetna and the team for the win in the Winnersh ward.

Wokingham BC, Winnersh
Liberal Democrat (Chetna Jamthe): 1177 (52.7%, -7.2%)
CON: 833 (37.3%, +10.7%)
LAB: 126 (5.6%, -5.1%)
GRN: 99 (4.4%, new)

Tendring DC saw another strong performance of the Lib Dems, as Rachael Richards doubles the vote share, but ultimately losing to Reform in The Bentleys & Frating. Well done to Rachael and the local team for the work put into running this great campaign, you’ll get them next time.

Tendring DC, The Bentleys & Frating
Reform: 432 (45.3%, new)
Liberal Democrat (Rachael Richards): 328 (34.4%, +16.8%)
Conservative: 163 (17.1%, -31.4%)
Labour: 31 (3.2%, -7.7%)

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ALDC By-Election Report, 23rd January

This week saw five principal council by-elections for six seats across the UK. Labour and Lib Dems loss a net of one seat this week, with the former gaining one but losing two to SNP and an independent, and the latter placing a close third in the only double vacancy of the week. SNP also lost their only defence in the same ward but gained a seat from Labour in other parts of Scotland.

For the good news, the Lib Dems defended the seat in Liverpool City Council handsomely over the second place Labour candidate. In the Much Woolton & Hunts Cross ward, Cllr Josie Mullen the team worked hard to maintain over half of the vote share in the area, thank you to Josie and team for running a great campaign and holding the seat!

Liverpool City Council, Much Woolton & Hunts Cross
Liberal Democrat (Josie Mullen): 1011 (51.1%, -2.4%)
Labour: 537 (27.1%, -4.2%)
Reform: 218 (11.0%, new)
Green Party: 170 (8.6%, -2.0%)
Conservative: 42 (2.1%, -2.3%)

Featuring a list of 13 candidates, the other Lib Dem defence this week is also a SNP defence in Edinburgh Council, following unfortunate circumstances leading to our by-election winner stepping down. In the Conlinton/Fairmilehead ward, the Tories came in first while the Lib Dems and Labour battled it out until stage 12. Well done and thank you to Peter Nicholson and the team for putting in the effort for a well-fought campaign, this was certainly an uphill battle if there ever was one.

Edinburgh Council, Colinton/Fairmilehead (based on first preference votes, Conservative elected at stage 8, Labour elected at stage 13)
Conservative: 2027 (32.6%, +12.9%)
Labour: 1146 (18.4%, -1.1%)
Liberal Democrat (Peter Nicholson): 1009 (16.2%, -20.0%)
SNP: 840 (13.5%, +2.7%)
Green Party: 426 (6.8%, +1.5%)
Reform: 345 (5.5%, +1.9%)
Independent: 256 (4.1%, +1.8%)
Scottish Family Party: 65 (1.0%, +0.4%)
Independent: 38 (0.6%, -0.2%)
Independent: 30 (0.5%, +0.2%)
Independent: 23 (0.4%, -0.3%)
Independent: 12 (0.2%, new)
Independent: 5 (0.1%, new)

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ALDC By-Election Report, 16th January

There were two principal council by-elections running this week, both Lib Dem defences in the Western Counties. We successfully defended one and just barely lost out on the other.

In Cotswold DC, Cllr Andrea Pellegram comfortably won the seat over second place Reform in the Chesterton ward. Congratulations to Andrea and the local team for getting almost half of the votes and holding the seat!

Cotswold DC, Chesterton
Liberal Democrat (Andrea Pellegram): 296 (48.1%, -15.8%)
Reform: 152 (24.7%, new)
Conservative: 106 (17.2%, -7.6%)
Labour: 61 (9.9%, new)

In the other election in the Western Counties, Hossein Pirooz placed a close second in the Saltford ward in Bath & North East Somerset Council, only 4 votes behind the independent who gained the seat from us. It was a close but unfortunate result, thank you to Hossein for standing and the local team for all the effort put in, you’ll get them next time.

Bath & North East Somerset Council, Saltford
Independent: 587 (29.8%, +5.4%)
Liberal Democrat (Hossein Pirooz): 583 (29.6%, -10.5%)
Conservative: 375 (19.0%, -1.7%)
Reform: 205 (10.4%, new)
Green Party: 159 (8.1%, +1.4%)
Labour: 60 (3.0%, -5.0%)

For a full summary of these results, and all other principal council by-elections, please refer to the ALDC by-elections page here.

Posted in News | 4 Comments

ALDC By-Election Report 19th December

The results for the final by-elections of the year are here! It was Labour defences across the board for this week’s three contested seats. Labour held on to only one, suffering a huge loss of vote share to the Lib Dems, while the Tories and Reform each gained a seat from the ruling party in Westminster.

Starting off with Greenwich LBC, Steve Day stormed into second place in West Thamesmead, where we were fourth last time voters went out to the polls. Labour’s support while dropped from over 60% to under half while the Lib Dems almost quadrupled their vote. Well done and thank you to Steve and the local team for running such a great campaign, we have not got momentum in Greenwich for a long time, and this serves as a monumental first step towards putting us on the map!

Greenwich LBC, West Thamesmead
Labour: 464 (45.1%, -16.7%)
Liberal Democrat (Steve Day): 336 (32.7%, +24.2%)
Reform: 92 (8.9%, new)
Conservative: 82 (8.0%, -6.8%)
Green Party: 55 (5.3%, -9.6%)

Posted in News | 1 Comment

ALDC By-Election Report, 5th December

Six principal council by-elections were held across the UK this week with Labour losing two of their three seats, one to the SNP and one to the Conservative, successfully defending only one. The Tories additionally gained a seat from an independent, while the Liberal Democrats held comfortably held their seat.

In South Oxfordshire DC, Cllr Crispin Topping won the seat in the Cholsey ward, increasing the already impressive vote share further to 62.2% this time around! Congratulations to Crispin and the team in South Oxfordshire on the stellar win.

South Oxfordshire DC, Cholsey
Liberal Democrat (Crispin Topping): 949 (62.2%, +16.1%)
Conservative: 362 (23.7%, +0.9%)
Social Democratic Party: 116 (7.6%, +2.3%)
Labour: 71 (4.7%, new)
Independent: 28 (1.8%, new)

Staying in the South, Chris Johnson stood in the Shinfield ward in Wokingham BC, where the Labour vote plummeted, losing ground to all three parties and in turn handing the Conservatives a win. Thank you Chris and the team for growing our vote and nearly beating Labour to second in the ward.

Wokingham BC, Shinfield
Conservative: 765 (49.0%, +10.4%)
Labour: 387 (24.8%, -18.9%)
Liberal Democrat (Chris Johnson): 336 (21.5%, +3.8%)
Green Party: 73 (4.7%, new)

Posted in News | 1 Comment

ALDC by-election Report, 14th November

This was an incredible by-election week for the Lib Dems, as we held both seats in Milton Keynes and have made gains from Labour in West Oxfordshire and Edinburgh. Labour held their other 7 seats and did not make gains; the Green Party failed to defend their only seat up for election this week, losing it to the Conservatives.

The headline win for Lib Dems this week goes to Cllr Louise Spence who stood in the Colinton/Fairmilehead ward in Edinburgh Council. She came out ahead in the sea of candidates (there are in total 12!) and nearly tripled the previous first preference votes for the Lib Dems compared to the last election. Congratulations to Louise and the team for taking this win from where we originally placed fourth! This couldn’t have been easy.

Edinburgh Council, Colinton/Fairmilehead (1st preference votes, Liberal Democrat elected at stage 11)
Liberal Democrat (Louise Spence): 2683 (36.3%, +23.8%)
Conservative: 1454 (19.6%, -10.3%)
Labour: 1441 (19.5%, -13.9%)
SNP: 800 (10.8%, -6.4%)
Green Party: 393 (5.3%, -0.1%)
Reform: 268 (3.6%, new)
Independent: 173 (2.3%, new)
Independent: 57 (0.8%, new)
Scottish Family Party: 51 (0.7%, -0.9%)
Independent: 50 (0.7%, new)
Independent: 22 (0.3%, new)
Libertarian Party: 9 (0.1%, new)

In West Oxfordshire DC, the Lib Dems have also grown their support in Chipping Norton from fourth place to first, gaining the seat from Labour. Labour’s vote in the ward plummeted over half from 61.4% to 27.2%, while Cllr Mike Baggaley more than tripled the Lib Dem vote share. Congrats and well done to Mike and the team for running an amazing campaign and gaining the seat.

West Oxfordshire DC, Chipping Norton
Liberal Democrat (Mike Baggaley): 403 (31.3%, +24.6%)
Conservative: 383 (29.7%, +9.0%)
Labour: 350 (27.2%, -34.2%)
Green Party: 152 (11.8%, +0.5%)

The team in Milton Keynes City Council have also been working hard to defend the Bradwell and Broughton ward from by-election. Both Cllr Kerrie Bradburn and Cllr Clare Tevlin posted a massive vote share of over 50% and comfortably won their respective ward. Well done and congrats to Kerrie, Clare, and their teams for securing the seats for the Lib Dems!

Milton Keynes City Council, Bradwell
Liberal Democrat (Kerrie Bradburn): 1129 (56.1%, +2.3%)
Labour: 329 (16.3%, -8.6%)
Reform: 228 (11.3%, new)
Conservative: 226 (11.2%, -2.5%)
Green Party: 101 (5.0%, -2.5%)

Posted in News | 3 Comments

ALDC By-Election Report, 31st October

It’s an England exclusive week for by-elections as 7 are held on Halloween, with the Conservatives being the biggest losers on the spooky day. The Lib Dems gained 2 seats and lost 1 from and to the Tories, a net double of seats. A variety of parties also gained or held their seats this week: both the Green Party, Labour, and independents held onto 1, while Reform gained a seat from Labour.

The headline win for the Lib Dems this week was once again in Westmorland & Furness Council. In the Kirkby & Tebay ward, Cllr Adrian Waite gained the seat from the Conservatives with over 82.7% of the votes, more than double what the Lib Dems had last time around. Well done and congrats to Adrian and the team for getting a second overwhelming win in the council in two weeks!

Westmorland & Furness Council, Krikby Stephen & Tebay
Liberal Democrat (Adrian Waite): 887 (82.7%, +48.7%)
Conservative: 186 (17.3%, -24.6%)

The other gain of the Lib Dems, also from the Conservatives, belongs to Hampshire CC, Bishops Waltham ward. Similarly, Cllr Jonathan Williams also more than doubled the Lib Dem vote share to 52.2%, while the Conservative vote collapsed from over 50% to under 35%. Congratulations to Jonathan and the local team for the work put into flipping this ward yellow.

Hampshire CC, Bishops Waltham
Liberal Democrat (Jonathan Williams): 2210 (52.2%, +28.6%)
Conservative: 1431 (33.8%, -23.1%)
Green Party: 477 (11.3% -2.0%)
Labour: 115 (2.7%, -2.6%)

The final battleground ward between the two parties this week sees a Tories gain from the Lib Dems, the only Conservative representation in Stockport MBC as of present. In the Bramhall South & Woodford ward, Sandeep Kashyap kept the Lib Dem vote steady, falling short of first place by less than 200 votes. Thank you and well done to Sandeep and the team for fighting the good fight, it won’t be long until we’re back.

Stockport MBC, Bramhall South & Woodford
Conservative: 1909 (47.9%, +4.6%)
Liberal Democrat (Sandeep Kashyap): 1733 (43.5%, -1.4%)
Reform: 133 (3.3%, new)
Labour: 115 (2.9%, -4.2%)
Green Party: 95 (2.4%, -2.4%)

Posted in News | 4 Comments
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