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County councils

Lib Dem Councillor Wins By-Election in Durham with Historic Swing

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Terry Rooney, a Liberal Democrat candidate, has won a by-election in Benfieldside, Consett, on Durham County Council, beating Reform UK and Labour in a stunning upset. The election was triggered by the resignation of Reform councillor Andrew Kilburn, who was found to be ineligible to stand due to his employment with the council. Rooney's victory marked a significant swing of around 17 percentage points, compared to the May county-wide election where he finished seventh. The outcome has been described as "huge" by Cllr Rooney, who credited the hard work of his team for the win.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cllr Terry Rooney won the by-election for Benfieldside in Consett on Durham County Council with 824 votes, beating Labour's Kevin Earley by 24 votes.
  • The election was triggered by the resignation of Reform councillor Andrew Kilburn, who was found to be ineligible to stand due to his employment with the council.
  • Reform UK finished third in the election, while Labour took second place.
  • Cllr Rooney had previously stood in the ward in May's county-wide election, but finished seventh with 362 votes.
  • The Lib Dem councillor's victory represented a significant swing of around 17 percentage points.
  • Cllr Rooney has vowed to "carry on the good work" of his wife Kathryn, a county councillor for the next ward over in Consett North.
  • Cllr Rooney has called for Reform UK's millionaire backers to pay back the council taxes spent on the by-election, estimated at around £22,800.

Statistics:

  • Cllr Terry Rooney won the by-election with 824 votes.
  • Labour's Kevin Earley received 800 votes, finishing second.
  • Reform UK's Stephen Harrison finished third with 747 votes.
  • The Lib Dem councillor's swing from May 2023's county-wide election is estimated at 17 percentage points.

Sources:

  • "Lib Dems win County Durham by-election after Reform councillor resigned nine days in". The Northern Echo.
  • "Terry Rooney signs the forms to become a county councillor. Image: The Northern Echo"

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