Labour's Joel McKevitt wins Bispham by-election in historic result after pipping Reform by 12 votes

It is the first time Labour has won a seat in the ward for 25 years in a result labelled ‘historic’ by the party - but Reform UK were close behind.

Six candidates were contesting last night’s elections, called after former Conservative councillor Tony Warne stepped down due to work commitments.

William Banks, representing Reform UK, was looking to emulate the success of Jim O'Neill who won last month's by-election in Marton to become Blackpool's first Reform UK councillor.

But the Labour man came in first after polling 436 votes to Mr Banks’ 424, winning a seat which had been Conservative for more than two decades.

The Conservative candidate, Lynda Watson, was third with 314 votes.

Also standing was Rick Scott, who formerly represented Greenlands as a member of the Conservative group but who was standing as an Independent this time around. He lost his seat at the 2023 local elections.

After the result, the newly-elected councillor said: “I’m so pleased and humbled to be the first Labour councillor for Bispham in 25 years.

“We ran a positive campaign focused on what residents told me were their priorities- cracking down on car break-ins, protecting our beautiful coastline and supporting local independent businesses.

“Tonight was a great result for Blackpool Labour. I’m now ready to get on with the work and make a difference on Blackpool Council for local residents.”

Lorraine Beavers, Labour MP for Blackpool North and Fleetwood, said:“Joel will be a brilliant councillor for Bispham. I’ve been out with him over the past few weeks speaking to residents on the doorstep. He’s a local lad, hard-working and cares deeply about Bispham and will fight hard for local people which is what it’s all about.”

The results were:

Joel McKevitt (Labour) 436 (Elected)

William Banks (Reform UK) 424

Lynda Watson (Conservative) 314

Rick Scott (Independent) 148

Ben Thomas (Green Party) 36

Kevan Benfold (Liberal Democrats) 24

The turnout was 31.40%.