Reform UK has won the East Sussex County Council (ESCC) by-election held in Ashdown and Conquest on Thursday 20 November.

Aidan Fisher was elected with 32% (797) of the vote, defeating Paula Warne of the Greens who came second with 25% (607).

The Conservatives came third with 20% (494), pushing Labour into fourth with 16% (395).

The Liberal Democrats took 5% (129) with the Independent candidate trailing in last with 2% (55).

The voter turnout was a disappointing 30.88%.

Aidan Fisher is the first Reform UK councillor to be elected to ESCC. He is an investment banker and lives in Winchelsea.

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The by-election followed the death in September of Peter Pragnell, who won the seat for the Conservatives in 2021 with almost 60% of the vote.

Following the by-election, East Sussex County Council has:

  • Conservative – 24
  • Liberal Democrats – 12
  • Labour – 5
  • Green – 5
  • Independent Democrats – 2
  • Independents – 1
  • Reform UK – 1

The Conservatives run the council as a minority administration.


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https://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/VoterID-1024x613.jpghttps://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/VoterID-150x150.jpgPaul MclaughlinNewsPoliticsEast Sussex County Council,elections,Reform UKReform UK has won the East Sussex County Council (ESCC) by-election held in Ashdown and Conquest on Thursday 20 November. Aidan Fisher was elected with 32% (797) of the vote, defeating Paula Warne of the Greens who came second with 25% (607). The Conservatives came third with 20% (494), pushing Labour...The Hastings & St Leonards non-profit community newspaper