North East Derbyshire Conservatives are celebrating their success after gaining three Council seats in historic victories in yesterday’s by-elections, with two coming from Labour and one from the Lib Dems.
Following the sad passing of Cllr Gerry Morley, Jess Stokes was elected to North East Derbyshire District Council to represent Clay Cross North Ward, gaining the seat from Labour after securing more than 50% of the vote. She is the first ever Conservative elected to hold the position in what has historically been regarded as one of Labour’s strongest heartland seats.
At the same time, Yvonne Shaw was elected as the second ever Conservative to sit on Clay Cross Parish Council, representing the North Ward and again gaining the seat from Labour.
Meanwhile in nearby Wingerworth, a by-election was called after the incumbent Lib Dem Councillor was thrown off the Council for failing to attend any meetings over a six month period. There, local resident Peter Pollard, was elected to represent the Longedge Ward.
The full results were as follows:
Clay Cross North (District)
Con 624, Lab 356, Green 175, LD 69
Clay Cross North (Parish)
Con 589, Lab 424, LD 118
Wingerworth, Longedge (Parish)
Con 83, LD 42, Lab 33, Green 5
Commenting former North East Derbyshire MP Lee Rowley said: “These are amazing results and are testament to the hard work of our fantastic candidates Jess, Yvonne and Peter and the many volunteers from the local Party who put so much time in to support them. The results demonstrate that we are the only real effective opposition to Labour in this area, particularly as we made history yesterday with the results in Clay Cross.”
Leader of the Opposition Conservative Group at North East Derbyshire District Council, Cllr Alex Dale added: “The results are also a damning indictment of Keir Starmer’s completely inept Labour Government which is depriving pensioners of the support they need this winter and seems to care more about cashing in on freebies from their cronies than delivering on the priorities of local people in North East Derbyshire. We hope the results yesterday send a clear message that Clay Cross and Wingerworth deserve so much better.”
Deputy Conservative Group Leader and local Councillor, Charlotte Cupit said: “I know Jess, Yvonne and Peter will be hitting the ground running working tirelessly with me and other local members to repay the support of those who placed their trust in them. But however you voted in the by-election they’ll be there to represent and support you.”
Alex Platts, Chair of the North Derbyshire Conservative Association added: “The tide is turning, and once again voters have put their trust and faith in effective, local Conservative candidates. Jess, Yvonne and Peter are really keen to get on with the task at hand and serve the local residents in their respective seats.”
Pictured (left to right): Cllr Alex Dale, Cllr Charlotte Cupit, newly elected Councillor Peter Pollard with Wingerworth Councillors Jill and Neil Baker.
