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Another busy week of by-elections has seen both the Liberal Democrats and Reform UK gain seats, while Labour and the Conservatives continued their torrid slump.
The Liberal Democrats boast two holds, along with a gain from the Conservatives, while Reform also managed to bag another seat.
It leaves Reform in the driving seat having an aggregate result of 61 (+52) since the 2025 Local Elections, while the Liberal Democrats continue to chase their tails with an aggregate result of 53 (+18).
It remains bleak reading for the Conservatives, who sit on 18 (-21), and even more so for Labour on 14 (-41).
Liberal Democrats held on to their seat in the Tudor ward of Watford with an increased margin, as Callum Robertson emerged victorious.
The by-election was called after Councillor Charlott Saunders, elected in May 2023, was unable to attend council meetings for over six months for “personal reasons”.
Cllr Robertson said: “I’m humbled by the result. Thank you to every resident who put their trust in me and the Liberal Democrat team.
Liberal Democrats held on to their seat in Watford with Callum Robertson
Nunthorpe (Middlesbrough)
Up north in Middlesbrough, Reform UK recorded a major win, with Joanne Rush emerging victorious.
She snatched the seat from the Liberal Democrats to become the party’s first-ever Middlesbrough councillor.
The by-election had been called after the shock resignation of Councillor Morgan McClintock.
Cllr Rush posted on Facebook following the victory: “I just want to say the biggest thank you to every single person who put their trust in me and lent me your vote. Because of you, we won.
“I am genuinely overwhelmed and so grateful. Every conversation on the doorstep, every message, every bit of support over these last few weeks has meant the world. You placed your confidence in me, and I will work every single day to repay that trust. I am ready to get started and be the voice Nunthorpe deserves.”
Joanne Rush became Reform UK’s first-ever Middlesbrough councillor in the Nunthorpe ward
Winkleigh (Torridge)
In the Winkleigh ward of Torridge, Liberal Democrats gained yet another seat from the Conservatives, with Stephan Thomas Middleton emerging victorious.
The by-election was called after Councillor Simon Newton’s resignation due to relocation.
Taking to social media to celebrate his success, Cllr Middleton said: “I’d like to thank everyone who has helped me with this campaign, your support has been amazing.
“I’d also like to thank my family for being by my side. I am ready to serve our community and tackle the issues that effect us all!!!”
Stephan Thomas Middleton won his by-election third time around, nicking a seat from the Conservatives
Next, in Nottinghamshire, Sarah Camplin won for the Broxtowe Alliance, taking the seat from Labour.
The by-election was called after the death of Councillor Ross Bofinger in August.
The Broxtowe Alliance took to Facebook to celebrate their victory: “To the people of Stapleford South East a massive THANK YOU! We won. We won well. Congratulations to Sarah Camplin.”
Full list of Stapleford South East (Broxtowe) results:
- Broxtowe Alliance – 34.6 per cent (New)
- Reform UK – 21.9 per cent (New)
- Liberal Democrats – 13.3 per cent (-10.6)
- Labour – 11.4 per cent (-17.6)
- Conservative – 9.6 per cent (-11.6)
- Independent – 9.2 per cent (New)
Exmouth Halsdon (East Devon)
- Liberal Democrats – 35.9 per cent (-4.0)
- Reform UK – 28.5 per cent (New)
- Conservatives – 25.6 per cent (-4.1)
- Greens – 10.0 per cent (New)