THE LIBERAL Democrats have gained a new seat on Bromsgrove District Council after sealing a comfortable majority in Sidemoor’s by-election yesterday (Thursday, September 19).
Labour lost the seat to the Lib Dems after dropping 29.2 per cent of votes compared to their last election result.
Labour’s candidate, Jennifer Smith, totaled just 87 votes (16.6 per cent share) while the Lib Dems’ James Clarke garnered 276 (52.6 per cent share) ballot ticks.
The Conservatives’ Rita Dent won the second most votes with a total of 141, earning 26.9 per cent of the votes – an increase of 3.1 per cent on the Conservatives’ previous election result in Sidemoor.
Green Party candidate, Peter Measham, earned his party a 4 per cent share of the votes in the first time the party has stood in the ward.
The council is now made up of 11 Conservatives, six Labour, six Lib Dem and eight independent councillors.
Councillor James Clarke has thanked the residents of Sidemoor for putting their trust in him and is looking forward to getting stuck into the issues residents raised with him during the campaign.
He said: “The people of Sidemoor have been let down by both the two main parties for far too long and they have voted for change.
“I am incredibly grateful for the support of Sidemoor residents and I’m excited to hit the ground running to address the points raised with me during this campaign, from housebuilding to tackling congestion to keeping our area clean.
“I will continue to be an active campaigner to improve Sidemoor.”
Councillor Robert Hunter who leads the Liberal Democrats on Bromsgrove District Council welcomed James to the team.
He added: “James has worked incredibly hard for the residents of Sidemoor and I’m delighted to welcome him to our team of councillors.
“The Liberal Democrats are continuing to grow across Bromsgrove and we now have six seats on the council, our largest ever number.
“As the joint largest opposition party on the Council we will continue to be a constructive opposition to the ruling Conservative and Independent group.”
Results:
- James Clarke, Liberal Democrats – 276 – Elected (52.6 per cent +24.9)
- Rita Dent, The Conservative Party – 141 (26.9 per cent +3.1)
- Peter Measham, Green Party – 21 (4.0 per cent – New)
- Jennifer Smith, Labour Party – 87 (16.6 per cent -29.2)
