The Horwich North by-election held on July 2 resulted in a decisive victory for hyperlocal party Horwich & Blackrod First Independents (HBFI). Candidate John Scoble secured 1,186 votes, surpassing the combined total of the other six contenders.
Landslide Victory for HBFI
Scoble's vote share represented 50% of the total, with Reform UK's Wendy Parkinson coming second with 541 votes. Labour's Graham Dawson finished third with 343 votes, followed by the Green Party's Nicola Salmon (189), Conservative Raymond Ndokwo (71), Liberal Democrat Scott Turner-Preece (27), and Independent Peter Hopkinson (13).
The by-election was triggered by the resignation of former Independent councillor Ryan Bamforth in May. HBFI leader David Grant praised the result, stating: "Securing a commanding 50 per cent of the vote share, the people of Horwich have once again demonstrated their trust in our team to deliver for them - especially against a backdrop of national chaos that is genuinely hurting our community."
Impact on Council Balance
The result maintains Bolton council's dual official opposition arrangement, with Reform UK and the Conservatives sharing relevant allowances equally. Labour remains the largest group with 20 councillors, while Reform and the Tories each hold 10 seats. HBFI now has five seats alongside the Liberal Democrats, with the Greens holding four. Farnworth & Kearsley First and Independents have three seats each.
Full By-Election Results
- Graham Dawson (LAB) – 343
- Peter Hopkinson (IND) – 13
- Raymond Ndokwo (CON) – 71
- Wendy Parkinson (REFORM) – 541
- Nicola Salmon (GREEN) – 189
- John Scoble (HORWICH & BLACKROD FIRST) – 1,186
- Scott Turner-Preece (LIB/DEM) – 27
Grant added: "HBFI, and John Scoble in particular, will remain fiercely dedicated to serving our residents, securing vital investment for our towns, and making everyday life better here. After a long year of electioneering, we are thrilled to put the campaign behind us and fully focus on the job at hand."
