Reform retake ward in council by-election win

Louise Penders was elected councillor for Easington and Shotton

Reform UK has won a by-election triggered by the resignation of a councillor due to ill health.

Louise Penders was elected on to Durham County Council as representative for Easington and Shotton on Thursday, increasing the party's majority.

The by-election had been called when former Reform councillor John Bailey stepped down in June.

Reflecting on her win, the new councillor, who has lived in Easington since 2018, said: "A huge thank you to everyone who has supported me with the campaign over the past few weeks."

The latest win is another boost for Reform after the party took control of Durham County Council for the first time in May.

Penders secured 1,208 votes, with Angela Surtees of the Labour Party second on 523 and Independent Chris Hood third with 520 votes.

The new Reform councillor vowed to put the villages within the ward "back on the map in a positive light for all to see", the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Penders said: "Next week cannot come quick enough, and we can start getting things done for Easington and Shotton.

"One of my biggest priorities is getting youth groups set up for kids and teenagers. At the moment, there is nothing for them to do."

The turnout for Thursday's by-election was 21.7%.