The Liberal Democrats have won the Stray, Woodlands and Hookstone by-election on North Yorkshire Council.
Lib Dem candidate Andrew Timothy finished first with 1,094 votes, ahead of Conservative John Ennis with 768.
It means the Liberal Democrats have retained control of the council’s Harrogate and Knaresborough area constituency committee. They have seven councillors, while the Conservatives have four and there are two Independents.
The Conservatives remain in control of North Yorkshire Council, with 44 of the 90 councillors. Three Independents who formed a Conservatives and Independents group helped maintain the Tories’ grip on power.
Yesterday’s by-election was called following the resignation of Lib Dem councillor Pat Marsh.
The result, which was declared at Woodlands Methodist Church on Wetherby Road just before midnight, was:
- Andrew Timothy (Liberal Democrats) 1,094
- John Ennis (Conservative Party) 768
- Gilly Charters (Green Party) 376
- Jonathan Swales (Reform UK) 141
- Geoff Foxall (Labour Party) 116
The turnout was 41%.
Mr Timothy left as soon as the count had concluded, declining to be interviewed.
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