Reform UK candidate Susan Rumford has narrowly secured the Castle Ward by-election for Scarborough Town Council, defeating her Labour rival by a single vote.
Reform UK has won a by-election with a majority of one vote in a North Yorkshire town.
Susan Rumford has won the Castle Ward by-election for Scarborough Town Council with 251 votes, while Labour’s Fiona Stephenson came second, having received 250 votes on Thursday, July 30.
The political make-up of Scarborough Town Council will remain unchanged, with Reform UK continuing to hold 11 out of 15 seats, alongside two Independents and two Labour councillors.
The by-election was called after Reform councillor and town mayoress Stacy Bolton announced her resignation “due to a change in personal circumstances” this summer.
Green Party candidate Stuart Noble came third with 222 votes, while Independent candidate Robert Hall received 94 votes.
The overall turnout was 15.03 per cent from an electorate of 5,455. Three ballots were rejected.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) requested interviews with all candidates, but neither the Reform or Independent candidates responded.
According to a post made during the campaign on behalf of Ms Rumford by town mayor, Cllr Thomas Murray, the newly elected councillor “believes Scarborough’s future must be built around its strengths: a successful visitor economy and a proud working harbour”.
He added:
“Susan believes Scarborough Town Council should work hard to improve life for everyone who lives here while championing the town’s history and traditions, whether by being a strong voice to North Yorkshire Council on decisions that adversely affect Scarborough, or through initiatives the Town Council can take forward itself.”
Commenting on the election result, the chair of the Scarborough and Whitby Reform UK Party, David Bowes, said:
“Susan is tenacious, experienced and committed to serve the residents of Castle.
“She will be an asset to the Reform team on STC, and I look forward to watching Susan represent your interests, in your interests.”
The next full meeting of Scarborough Town Council is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, August 26 at 7pm.
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