'We've made history': Reform UK reacts to crucial by-election win as council falls into no overall control
The Liberal Democrats have lost overall control of Gosport Borough Council as Reform UK sailed to victory in a crucial by-election.
Voters in the Bridgemary ward headed to the polls on Thursday, January 15 after Cllr Bob Maynard died suddenly last November aged 76.
Reform UK's Paul Carter secured a narrow win over Stephen Marshall for the Lib Dems.
Bridgemary Gosport Borough Council by-election results in full
- Paul Carter - Reform UK: 604 votes - 42.5pc (NEW) - ELECTED
- Stephen Marshall - Lib Dems: 575 votes - 40.5pc (-8pc)
- Kath Jones - Conservative: 207 votes - 14.6pc (-23.7pc)
- Claire Percival - Labour: 35 votes - 2.5pc (-10.8pc)
- Turnout: 32.02%
Speaking at the count after the results were announced, Cllr Carter said "I think we've made a bit of history tonight".
He added he was ready to "step foot into Bridgemary and understand that ward a lot more".
"I really am honoured and I really am looking forward to getting to know Bridgemary more, I'm really looking forward to putting every single effort into it," he said.
"I know the rest of the Reform UK team in Gosport are as well moving forward."
The narrow win by just 27 seats sees the Liberal Democrats drop one seat to 14, meaning they lose overall control of the council. The Conservatives have 11, Labour has two, and Reform has one.
Ahead of the election, Cllr Carter said he had deep roots in Gosport and was a dedicated community campaigner, adding: "I am your strong, visible voice, tackling anti-social behaviour, fighting for safety, and raising concerns about neglected public spaces."
Cllr Carter was formerly of the Royal Air Force reserve training branch and for the last 6 years has been running P&J’s Cash and Carry in Gosport.
After Nigel Farage’s Reform won its first seat on the borough council, the area's Conservative MP Caroline Dinenage said: "Congratulations to Cllr Paul Carter on being elected to Gosport Borough Council for Bridgemary Ward.
"Commiserations to Kath, Claire, and Steve. Standing for election takes guts so well done to everyone who put themselves forward.
"Thank you to all the residents who took the time to vote, as well as the council officers for organising the election."