David Heap wins Baxenden ward by-election for Conservatives, despite a surge in Reform UK votes. Labour finishes third.
The Conservative Party has reclaimed the Baxenden ward on Hyndburn Council despite a significant rise in the Reform UK vote, which pushed Labour into third place. David Heap secured victory in yesterday's by-election, triggered by the passing of Labour councillor Edward Blake in November, just six months into his term. Blake had won the seat in May's borough elections by a narrow margin of 24 votes against then-Mayor of Hyndburn, Terry Hurn.
Heap reversed the result and secured the seat for the Conservatives by a margin of 38 votes, polling 406 votes to Reform UK candidate Ashley Joynes' 368. Labour's Richard Downie received 328 votes, while the Green Party's Lex Kristen garnered 36 votes.The outcome delighted Hyndburn Council's Conservative opposition leader, Cllr Zak Khan. 'We are turning Hyndburn blue again bit by bit, starting with a by-election win in Baxenden,' he declared. 'A fantastic result, thanks to a dedicated candidate, clear message and team work. I am delighted to welcome David Heap to the team!' Khan added: 'It seems Labour have to be more worried about Reform than we do.'A Reform UK spokesman emphasized the party's nationwide growth, stating: 'Our growing success across the country is a clear sign that people are fed up with the two-party system, where self-interest takes priority over the will of the people. Our surge in the polls, soaring membership, and by-election successes are just the beginning.' They expressed confidence in winning the seat in future elections, highlighting their commitment to 'organising, professionalising, and transforming into an election-winning machine.' Reform UK's general election candidate for Hyndburn in July, Richard Oakley, acknowledged the party's progress despite the loss, stating: 'To go from a standing start to within 38 votes of the Conservatives is clearly a step in the right direction and a good point for winning the Accrington South County Division in May. Ashley’s a strong candidate. I think he will be elected to the Hyndburn Council, at some point.'Hyndburn Council's Labour leader, Cllr Munsif Dad, offered his perspective: 'We hope we did our former colleague Cllr Edward Blake proud in this campaign. Residents appreciated Labour’s efforts locally since taking control in May and engaged with us positively. We always knew this would be a tough contest in a historically Conservative area.' He congratulated Councillor David Heap on his victory and paid tribute to Labour's candidate, Richard, for his positive campaigning.
HYNDBURN COUNCIL BY-ELECTION CONSERVATIVES LABOUR REFORM UK Baxenden WARD DAVID HEAP EDWARD BLAKE
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