York Liberal Democrats have held Haxby and Wigginton in a by-election.
The party’s candidate Richard Watson has been elected after the poll yesterday.
City of York Council announced the result shortly after midnight this morning (Friday).
On a low turnout of 29.5% these were the results.
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Per cent |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Crispin-Bailey | Reform | 325 | 11% |
| James Flinders | Labour | 203 | 7% |
| Ian Lowson | Green | 76 | 3% |
| Jessie Secker | Conservative | 435 | 15% |
| Richard Watson | Lib Dem | 1,848 | 64% |
It means there is no change in the balance of the council, with Labour continuing to have an overall majority of one seat.
The by-election was caused after the resignation of Ed Pearson, who had represented the seat for the Lib Dems since 2019.
Mr Watson’s victory was hailed by his fellow Haxby and Wigginton Lib Dem Andrew Hollyer.
He said on X: “Great result for Richard Watson and the Lib Dems in the Haxby and Wigginton Ward by-election this evening – looking forward to serving with Richard!”
The party said it was a swing from Tory to Lib Dem of 9.5%.
Rawcliffe Lib Dem Darryl Smalley said on X: “Labour will lose control of City of York Council at the next election.”
Newly elected Cllr Watson has lived in Haxby for 40 years and recently retired from a career in the legal profession.
He has previously represented the area for 21 years, both on Ryedale District Council and, after local government reorganisation, on City of York Council.
When he was nominated he said: “I am looking forward to the campaign and to focusing on the issues of concern and interest to local residents such as improving access to GP and dentistry services and protecting our environment from the threat of over-development.
“I am also committed to ensuring that the schemes championed by the previous Lib Dem-led administration, such as delivering a new station for Haxby and securing the long-awaited dualling of the outer ring road, are delivered.”