Reform UK ousts Labour in local by-election

Reform UK have taken a Wolverhampton council seat from Labour in a by-election sparked by the death of a councillor.

Sue Roberts MBE was elected in Bilston North in 2023, but tributes poured in after her death was announced in August.

On Thursday Reform UK candidate Anita Stanley secured 652 votes, almost 200 more than Labour, which only narrowly beat the Greens.

The Conservatives polled 257 votes.

Reform UK Chairman Zia Yusuf described the result as a "stunning victory" and that it showed no Labour seat was safe, while adding the Tories were falling "even further behind".

"Reform is rapidly opening local branches and assembling its ground campaigning capabilities," he said.

"By the time of the English county council elections in May, Reform will be a formidable electoral force."

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