Major swing from Lib Dems in Harrogate Town Council ward as Reform UK also fail to make breakthrough
The Tories have taken the Valley Gardens from the Lib Dems with a 12% swing in a Harrogate Town Council by-election.
Although it would be foolish to extrapolate too much from the voting result in a single Harrogate Town Council ward three years from the next general election, it’s fair to say the victory of Conservative candidate Tom Martin over the Lib Dems who have been dominant since the parish council was set up less than a year ago, has come as a surprise to some.
Welcoming yesterday’s result, former Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones said: “We had a very well planned and executed campaign with a great local candidate.
"We enjoyed a huge swing of about 12% after an election in which both sides fought hard.
"I would like to congratulate Tom Martin for his positive upbeat campaign that focussed on the issues in the area.”
The win over the Lib Dems candidate Nat Slater also saw a bad day in Harrogate for Reform UK.
Reform UK failed to make any breakthrough, receiving 105 votes, nearly 40 fewer than the 144 the party received last year.
Yesterday’s by-election for the Valley Gardens ward followed the decision by Lib Dem Edward Metcalfe to step down following a move out of Harrogate for a new job opportunity.
Harrogate Town Council was established on April 1, 2025 following local government reorganisation and the abolition of the former Harrogate Borough Council.
Valley Gardens ward: full result
Thomas James Martin – Conservative – 486 (45.8%)
Nat Slater – Liberal Democrats – 400 (37.7%)
Tracey Joan De Wet Reform UK – 105 (9.9%)
Alex Ireland – Green Party – 71 (6.7%)
The Chair of Harrogate and Knaresborough Lib Dems Andy Bell, said: "This was a hard-fought campaign and we are obviously disappointed with the result.
"I’d like to pay tribute to Nat Slater, our candidate, who would have made an excellent town councillor and worked extremely hard during the campaign.
"The result confirms what many already know - that elections in Harrogate are always closely fought between the Lib Dems and the Conservatives.
"After our victories in the last town council and general election, the Conservatives have got over the line this time.
"In May next year, we’re determined to take on the Conservatives and win across Harrogate for seats on North Yorkshire Council."