Lib Dem By-election Landslide

York Liberal Democrats have welcomed the election of new Councillor Richard Watson after his landslide success in the City of York Council Haxby and Wigginton ward by-election. 

The full result was as follows: 

• Richard Watson, Liberal Democrat - 1847
• Conservative - 435
• Reform - 325
• Labour - 203
• Green - 76 

This result saw the share in the vote achieved by the Liberal Democrats increase by 11.1 percent, whilst other main parties saw their vote decrease, with the Labour share of the vote falling by 7.4 percent.

Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, Councillor Nigel Ayre, said, “I am delighted that Richard Watson has been returned as a councillor for Haxby and Wigginton. Richard brings with him a wealth of experience which I think will be invaluable within the Council environment. The size of the Liberal Democrat vote shows just how much local voters appreciate Liberal Democrat policies and the campaigning work which we do in the community.

“The unpopularity of the current Labour administration was evident on the doorstep. Labour policies are failing to deliver for York and this is reflected in the significant decline in the Labour share of the vote as they came a poor fourth.”

Councillor Richard Watson said “I should like to thank the voters in Haxby and Wigginton who have shown their support for all that the local Lib Dem team does and have put faith in me to serve them on the Council. There are a number of local issues which repeatedly came up on the doorstep, such as the proposed new housing, issues over GP appointments and anti-social behaviour. I shall do all that I can to help local residents. In the wake of this result, I hope Labour will work cross-party to deliver for Haxby and Wigginton.”