The poll was called when Reform’s Andrew Kilburn, elected to represent the Benfieldside ward in county-wide elections on May 1, stood down after just nine days.
Mr Kilburn resigned after it was discovered he already worked for the council. Employees are disqualified from standing as councillors at the same time under national legislation.
Lib Dem Terry Rooney won the by-election on Thursday (July 3) to replace Mr Kilburn with 824 votes, beating Labour’s Kevin Earley into second place with 800 ballots. Reform fell to third with 747 votes despite winning just two months ago.
Mr Rooney said: “I’m humbled to serve the community where I live and where I grew up.
“This result confirms that it is only the Liberal Democrats who can beat the Reform Party across County Durham, as both the Official Opposition group and the strongest electoral force challenging the Reform Party’s broken promises.”
Counting taking place at Consett Leisure Centre from 10pm when polls closed.
The result was declared just after 11.35pm after a recount of bundles.
Mr Rooney will join the 14 other Lib Dem representatives on the council, taking their tally to 15.
Controversy surrounded the by-election after Mr Kilburn’s resignation with council data estimating it would cost about £22,800 – a figure described as a ‘gross waste of taxpayers’ money’ by a former council leader.
Mr Rooney added: “I have campaigned for the Reform Party’s millionaire backers to pay for the £23,000 of council taxpayers’ money they have wasted on this by-election due to their own incompetence nominating an ineligible candidate.
“They must now listen to the people of Consett and Benfieldside and pay back the council taxes that could have been used on play areas, potholes, or helping disabled children.”
On Thursday it was announced a second by-election for the Easington and Shotton ward will be held on August 7 after a Reform councillor was forced to stand down last month due to personal health issues.
Full results:
Stephen Harrison – REFORM UK – 747
Kevin Earley – LABOUR – 800
David Lowes – CONSERVATIVE – 76
Stephen Robinson – INDEPENDENT – 459
Terry Rooney – LIBERAL DEMOCRAT – 824 – ELECTED
Richard Edward Simpson – GREEN – 40
*This is a breaking story. More to follow.*
