REFORM UK gained their first seat on Warrington Borough Council last night after winning the Bewsey & Whitecross by-election in the previous Labour stronghold.
With just an 18 per cent turnout, local businessman John Roddy polled 752 votes, with Labour’s Maitane Akpan gaining 611 votes.
There was controversy ahead of the election as Police and Crime Commissioner Dan Price backed the Labour candidate.
Mr Roddy runs a successful company based in Warrington town centre with operations across the UK and has worked in the Facilities and Security industry for over 30 years. He has been a lifelong fan of Warrington Wolves.
He joined Reform UK in March 2024 after becoming disillusioned with the direction the country was heading, in particular failing border security, rising cost of living, and declining public services both nationally and right here in Warrington.
He is currently the Deputy Chair of the Warrington branch.
He fought the election based on “the lack of competency” of the Labour run council, saying he was shocked to learn the Council was £1.8 billion in debt.
The by-election was called following the resignation of local Labour Cllr. Shireen Mohammed, after she secured employment with Warrington Borough Council.
Meanwhile, in Stockton Heath, the Lib Dems retained their seat in the parish council by-election despite strong campaigning in the area by Reform UK where there was a 28 per cent turnout.
Bewsey & Whitecross
Stephen Taylor Con 116
Maitane Akpan Lab 631
David Crowther Lib Dem 223
John Roddy REFORM UK 752
Turnout 18%
Stockton Heath Parish Council
Con 150
LIB DEM 644
Reform UK 345
Turnout 28%
1 Comment
Great news, well done John