Lib Dem landslide in Coppice Valley

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Clare McManus has won the Coppice Valley by-election to strengthen the Liberal Democrats’ hold on Harrogate Town Council.

Ms McManus secured 62% of the vote to record a landslide victory.

Reform UK’s Darren Townend was second with 16%. Conservative candidate Jonathan Shrago was third with 13%.

The turnout was 31% — up on the 26% recorded in 2025 when Lib Dem Austin Wildmore won with 40% of the vote.

Look for reaction and analysis tomorrow on the Stray Ferret.

Result

• Clare McManus - Liberal Democrat 579

• Darren Townend - Reform UK 147

• Jonathan Shrago - Conservative Party 118

• Toby Holbrey - Labour Party 48

• Tamsin Worrall - Green Party 47