David wins his father's old seat

Labour's David Collett has won the Tyldesley by-election for a seat on Blackpool Council after securing 48 per cent of the votes.
Council leader Coun Simon Blackburn (left) and David Collett after the Tyldesley ward by-election countCouncil leader Coun Simon Blackburn (left) and David Collett after the Tyldesley ward by-election count
Council leader Coun Simon Blackburn (left) and David Collett after the Tyldesley ward by-election count

It means he takes over the seat held by his father Eddie, a former Mayor of Blackpool who died in July.

Mr Collett secured 535 votes.

Conservative candidate Moira Graham came in second with 297 votes (26 per cent), followed by UKIP’s Kim Knight with 238 votes (21 per cent), and Paul Hindley of the Liberal Democrats with 37 votes (3.3 per cent).

Turnout was 23 per cent.

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Council leader Coun Simon Blackburn said: “I am delighted that David Collett has been elected to serve the people of Tyldesley ward, following the very sad death of his father, Eddie.

“It is particularly gratifying to note that Blackpool Labour saw its share of the vote increase since the 2015 council elections, to over 48 per cent - despite the fact that national opinion polling suggests that Labour commands only 27 per cent to 34 per cent.

“David will be an excellent councillor, who has fought a great campaign, supported by a great campaign team. I’m over the moon.”