Reform pulls off huge by-election win but rival snatches triple victory as Labour flounders

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GB News takes a closer look at the week’s by-election results

Another busy week of by-elections has seen both the Liberal Democrats and Reform UK gain seats, while Labour and the Conservatives continued their torrid slump.

The Liberal Democrats boast two holds, along with a gain from the Conservatives, while Reform also managed to bag another seat.

It leaves Reform in the driving seat having an aggregate result of 61 (+52) since the 2025 Local Elections, while the Liberal Democrats continue to chase their tails with an aggregate result of 53 (+18).

It remains bleak reading for the Conservatives, who sit on 18 (-21), and even more so for Labour on 14 (-41).

With that being said, GB News takes a closer look at this week’s five by-election results.

Tudor (Watford)

Liberal Democrats held on to their seat in the Tudor ward of Watford with an increased margin, as Callum Robertson emerged victorious.

The by-election was called after Councillor Charlott Saunders, elected in May 2023, was unable to attend council meetings for over six months for “personal reasons”.

Cllr Robertson said: “I’m humbled by the result. Thank you to every resident who put their trust in me and the Liberal Democrat team.

“From leading the charge to rebuild our new hospital, taking our crumbling roads and pavements seriously, and tackling crime, people are backing the Lib Dems to take action on the issues they care about. I’m proud to join a team that works hard all year round and gets real results.”

Full list of Tudor (Watford) results:

Liberal Democrats – 51.6 per cent (+4.3)
Reform UK – 27.2 per cent (+17.8)
Conservative – 9.3 per cent (-10.5)
Labour – 7.0 per cent (-16.4)
Greens – 4.8 per cent (New)

Liberal Democrats held on to their seat in Watford with Callum Robertso

Up north in Middlesbrough, Reform UK recorded a major win, with Joanne Rush emerging victorious.

She snatched the seat from the Liberal Democrats to become the party’s first-ever Middlesbrough councillor

The by-election had been called after the shock resignation of Councillor Morgan McClintock.

Cllr Rush posted on Facebook following the victory: “I just want to say the biggest thank you to every single person who put their trust in me and lent me your vote. Because of you, we won.

“I am genuinely overwhelmed and so grateful. Every conversation on the doorstep, every message, every bit of support over these last few weeks has meant the world. You placed your confidence in me, and I will work every single day to repay that trust. I am ready to get started and be the voice Nunthorpe deserves.”

Full list of Nunthorpe (Middlesbrough) results:

Reform – 35.8 per cent (New)
Liberal Democrats – 35.0 per cent (-1.3)
Conservative – 20.9per cent (-14.2)
Greens – 5.0 per cent (New)
Labour – 3.3 per cent (-6.7)

Joanne Rush became Reform UK’s first-ever Middlesbrough councillor in the Nunthorpe ward

In the Winkleigh ward of Torridge, Liberal Democrats gained yet another seat from the Conservatives, with Stephan Thomas Middleton emerging victorious.

The by-election was called after Councillor Simon Newton’s resignation due to relocation.

Taking to social media to celebrate his success, Cllr Middleton said: “I’d like to thank everyone who has helped me with this campaign, your support has been amazing.

“I’d also like to thank my family for being by my side. I am ready to serve our community and tackle the issues that effect us all!!!”

Full list of Winkleigh (Torridge) results:

Liberal Democrats – 42.3 per cent (+8.7)
Reform UK – 32.8 per cent (New)
Conservative – 24.9 per cent (-23.7)

Stephan Thomas Middleton won his by-election third time around, nicking a seat from the Conservatives

Stapleford South East (Broxtowe)

Next, in Nottinghamshire, Sarah Camplin won for the Broxtowe Alliance, taking the seat from Labour.

The by-election was called after the death of Councillor Ross Bofinger in August.

The Broxtowe Alliance took to Facebook to celebrate their victory: “To the people of Stapleford South East a massive THANK YOU! We won. We won well. Congratulations to Sarah Camplin.”

Full list of Stapleford South East (Broxtowe) results:

Broxtowe Alliance – 34.6 per cent (New)
Reform UK – 21.9 per cent (New)
Liberal Democrats – 13.3 per cent (-10.6)
Labour – 11.4 per cent (-17.6)
Conservative – 9.6 per cent (-11.6)
Independent – 9.2 per cent (New)

Exmouth Halsdon (East Devon)

Finally, Fran McElhone held the Liberal Democrat seat of Exmouth Halsdon in East Devon, marking an impressive achievement: their 12th victory in Devon this year, from 12 attempts.

Ed Tyldesley, County Councillor for Chulmleigh and Landkey, said: “In 2025, we’ve seen 12 District Council by-elections and the full Devon County Council elections in May.
“The Liberal Democrats have won every single contest in the county of Devon in 2025. Every. single. one.”
The by-election was called after Councillor Andrew Toye died in September.
Full list of Exmouth Halsdon (East Devon) results:

Liberal Democrats – 35.9 per cent (-4.0)
Reform UK – 28.5 per cent (New)
Conservatives – 25.6 per cent (-4.1)
Greens – 10.0 per cent (New)