Reform UK Wins Harraby South Ward in Carlisle By Election

Reform UK has gained a seat on Cumberland Council after Josh Kirkwood won the Harraby South by-election in Carlisle.

The by-election was held on Thursday, 20 August, following the resignation of Labour councillor Lucy Patrick. Kirkwood received 560 votes, finishing ahead of Labour candidate Ruth Alcroft, who secured 469 votes. Conservative candidate Rob Currie came third with 236 votes.

The Liberal Democrats' Stuart Kelly received 23 votes, while Green Party candidate Rose-Ellen Kemp received 29.

The result means Kirkwood will now represent Harraby South on Cumberland Council.

A total of 1,320 ballot papers were issued, with three rejected. The electorate stood at 4,733, giving a turnout of 27.89 per cent.

The by-election was triggered after Councillor Lucy Patrick resigned from her position earlier this year. Cumberland Council officially confirmed the vacancy in July, with polling subsequently scheduled for 20 August.

The result marks a significant gain for Reform UK in the Carlisle area, with the party taking a ward that had previously been represented by Labour.

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