Liberal Democrats win Bridlington North seat
The party's taken over from the Conservatives
The Liberal Democrats have taken an East Riding Council seat from the Conservatives after winning the Bridlington North by-election last week.
Liberal Democrat Jayne Phoenix won in Bridlington North with 57 per cent of the vote, while the Conservatives, who previously held the seat, came second with 31.5 per cent.
Cllr Phoenix said voters told her on the campaign trail they felt left behind, particularly when it came to health services.
Conservative candidate Jonathan Bibb said he and his party would be watching closely to see whether the Liberal Democrat makes good on her campaign promises.
The by-election followed the death of previous Conservative incumbent Cllr Chad Chadwick who died of liver cancer in April aged 79.
It also follows the defeat of the ruling Conservative group on East Riding Council including in South Hunsley in April, one of their traditional heartlands.
And it comes after Labour and the Liberal Democrats overturned Conservative majorities in Wakefield and Tiverton and Honiton respectively in recent Parliamentary by-elections.
Yesterday’s by-election leaves the Conservatives with 44 seats on the council to the opposition Liberal Democrats’ 12.
Cllr Phoenix won the election with 1,950 of the 3,422 votes cast, with Mr Bibb getting 1,077.
Labour’s David Butland came third with 171 votes, followed by Carlo Verda of the Social Democratic Party with 125 and the Yorkshire Party’s Kimberley Thomas, 93.
Turnout was 30.05 per cent, up from 27 per cent in the last Bridlington North by-election in July 2019 which saw Liberal Democrat Cllr Mike Heslop-Mullens elected.
Cllr Phoenix said voters told her that they were sick of the Conservatives taking them for granted.
The Liberal Democrat said: “It was apparent from talking to so many on the doorsteps and from the feedback I got that people feel left behind and treated unfairly when it comes to the provision of health services in the town.
“They want a fully functioning hospital and don’t want to be pushed from pillar to post travelling miles elsewhere just to have blood taken when there’s a hospital close by.”
Cllr David Nolan, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on the council, said the victory was a huge triumph and showed his party was on the up.
Cllr Nolan said: “People are fed up with the Conservatives locally and nationally and they want a change, we are the only Party around here they can deliver that.
“Conservatives right across the East Riding ought to be looking over their shoulders because Liberal Democrats are coming for them.”
Mr Bibb said he was extremely proud of the Conservative campaign despite coming second.
The Conservative said: “I have been very fortunate to build some great friendships and meet some amazing local residents whilst out and about campaigning.
“Even though I am not a councillor, I can assure you, I will continue to fight for the residents of Bridlington North, Sewerby and Flamborough to the best of my ability going forward.
“Myself, and my fellow East Yorkshire Conservatives will be watching the Liberal Democrats very closely, and are interested to see them deliver on their promises to residents that they will upgrade Bridlington Hospital.
“If they fail to deliver on their promises, we’ll be back at the elections next year to give the people of Bridlington, Flamborough and Sewerby the strong voice they deserve.”