Two principal council by-elections were fought last week in the first round of post-general election contests. In Cambridgeshire (CC), the by-election in Wisbech South resulted in a Conservative gain from UKIP. Despite UKIP having won the ward’s last election in 2013, the Tories polled 63.8% of the vote in securing a 26% swing. The Lib Dem vote share saw a 10.1% drop from 2013 as Josephine Ratcliffe polled 3.8% in finishing fourth.
In Kettering, a deferred election in Rothwell saw all three of the ward’s seats up for election. Labour came out on top in the poll with 951 votes as they defended their seat in the ward, with the Conservatives securing the next two berths in holding their two seats.
Elsewhere, two co-options in North Devon resulted in Carol McCormack-Hole and Alan Rennles joining Fremington Parish Council. That takes the Lib Dem representation on the council up to 3 from one 1 councilor prior to the election. The co-options have also prevented the Conservatives from securing a majority on the council.
This week sees three sets of principal council elections being contested. In Wyre Forest (DC) three seats will be up in the new Areley Kings and Riverside ward following boundary changes. Sutton Lib Dems will be attempting to defend one of the party’s three seats in Wallington South ward, whilst the contest in Stepney Green ward in Tower Hamlets (LB) will run alongside the mayoral by-election.
To view all recent by-election results in full, click here. For more information on forthcoming by-elections, as well contact details on how to help, click here.