Reform UK has secured its first seat on Salford City Council after a by-election that Labour has condemned as 'indefensible' and a waste of public money. The contest, held on Wednesday in the Barton and Winton ward, was triggered by a little-known law that allowed two local electors to force an early vote.
Narrow Victory for Reform
Michael Felse won the seat with 676 votes, narrowly defeating Labour's candidate who received 643 votes. The by-election was called following the death of David Lancaster, who had represented the ward since 1965 and was England's longest-serving councillor.
However, the timing of the election has sparked controversy. With Salford's citywide elections scheduled for May 7, just two weeks away, Labour argues that the standalone by-election was unnecessary and costly. The event is expected to cost the local authority over £20,000, a sum Labour says could have been avoided if the vote had been held alongside the upcoming elections.
Labour's Criticism
A local Labour spokesperson expressed outrage, stating: 'The decision by Salford Reform UK to trigger an unnecessary early by-election in Barton and Winton was entirely indefensible. The financial implications are significant, costing the council over £20,000 when it could have been seamlessly incorporated into the citywide elections in May. Additionally, the extension of the pre-election period has disrupted other workstreams across the authority, potentially costing tens of thousands of pounds.'
The spokesperson added: 'That a duly nominated Salford Reform UK candidate chose to trigger this by-election before the late councillor David Lancaster had even been laid to rest demonstrates a complete lack of decorum and respect.'
Reform's Defence
Lewis Croden, the Reform UK candidate who triggered the by-election alongside a relative, defended the move. He said: 'Salford has been taken for granted by Labour for years. Public money is being wasted on a loss-making stadium, £668 million in high-interest PFI debt, and over £100 million wasted on a failed clean air charge zone. It is time we fix our roads and fund essential services.'
The by-election was called under a provision of the Local Government Act 1972, which allows two local electors to request a by-election within 35 days by writing to a senior council officer. Mr Croden and his relative made the request less than two months after Mr Lancaster's death.
Reform UK has been contacted for further comment on the controversy.
