Five principal council by-elections took place yesterday. In Craven (DC), an Independent candidate made a gain from the Conservatives in Embsay with Eastby ward. In a head-to-head contest with the Conservatives, the Independent polled 79.9% in what was the fourth by-election loss for the Tories in March.
There was also success for the Richmondshire Independents in the Richmond Central by-election in Richmondshire (DC). The Independents made a gain from the Liberal Democrats in receiving 35% of the vote to finish 31 votes ahead of Lib Dem candidate Philip Knowles.
Elshewhere, the SNP collected 49.5% of the first preference votes in securing a hold in Maryfield ward in Dundee (UA). Christopher McIntyre came in fifth place for the Liberal Democrats with 3% of the first preferences. There was also a comfortable hold for Labour in Caerphilly (UA) as they polled 55.7% in Moriah ward.
In Essex (CC), the Holland-on-Sea Residents Association gained a seat from Tendring First in Clacton East division with an 820 vote majority.
Three principal council contests will be taking place next week. Mathew Kidner and George Hayton will be the Liberal Democrat candidates in by-elections in Caerphilly and Perth & Kinross (UA). Elsewhere, the Conservatives will be defending a seat in East Yorkshire (UA), with no Lib Dem candidate standing.
For a detailed list of this week’s results please click here. If you would like more information on all the forthcoming by-elections and details on who to contact to help, click here.
A big thank you as always to those who come every week to 23 New Mount Street in Manchester to make calls at ALDC’s By-election HQ, funded through fighting fund donations. If you can help us fight in even more wards, please donate at www.aldc.org/news/aldc-