Lib Dems hail South Ribble by-election win a 'victory for people who genuinely work for their area'
The Liberal Democrats have retained a seat on South Ribble Borough Council that was left vacant after the death of one of their longest-serving members.
In a by-election in Penwortham’s Broad Oak ward on Thursday, the party comfortably topped the poll, with candidate Clare Burton-Johnson scooping 810 votes, more than 500 ahead of Reform UK who secured second place from a standing start, ahead of the Conservatives and Labour.
The vote followed the passing of Cllr Harry Hancock in October at the age of 90. He had sat on the authority since 2003, apart from a four-year hiatus between 2011 and 2015.
Liberal Democrat group leader David Howarth said the result was a victory for “community action and people who genuinely represent the area”.
“We got this result because of the work we do in the ward. It’s nothing to do with national politics and it’s nothing to do with boats and any other issues that some people felt they needed to protest about.” Cllr Howarth said.
He also praised the background of the now Cllr Burton-Johnson who has been “heavily involved in disability rights” throughout her life and has previously been a trustee of the Space Centre in Preston and the Preston and district branch of the charity Scope.
“This was not just a staggering result for the Liberal Democrats, but a victory for a local community where everybody matters – irrespective of their background, age, faith or gender,” Cllr Howarth added.
BROAD OAK BY-ELECTION – FULL RESULT
Clare Burton-Johnson, Liberal Democrats – 810 votes (elected)
Lee James Forshaw, Reform – 263 votes
Andrew John Rae, Labour – 62 votes
Gareth Paul Watson, Conservative – 95 votes
Turnout 35.29%