The Liberal Democrats have held Haxby and Wigginton in the ward’s by election, called after a councillor resigned.

Richard Watson, who stood for the party, won with 64 per cent of the vote (1,848 votes).

On a low turn out of 29.6 per cent, the Conservative Party came second with 15 per cent (435 votes); Reform third with 11 per cent (325 votes); Labour fourth with seven per cent (203 votes); and the Green Party fifth with three per cent (76 votes).

Cllr Watson pledged to do "all that I can to help local residents". 

“I should like to thank the voters in Haxby and Wigginton who have shown their support for all that the local Lib Dem team does and have put faith in me to serve them on the council," he said.

"There are a number of local issues which repeatedly came up on the doorstep, such as the proposed new housing, issues over GP appointments and anti-social behaviour.

The leader of York's Liberal Democrat group, Cllr Nigel Ayre, said: “I am delighted that Richard Watson has been returned as a councillor for Haxby and Wigginton.

"Richard brings with him a wealth of experience which I think will be invaluable within the council environment.

"The size of the Liberal Democrat vote shows just how much local voters appreciate Liberal Democrat policies and the campaigning work which we do in the community."

Fellow Haxby and Wigginton ward councillor Andrew Hollyer also welcomed the result.

“Great result for Richard Watson and [the Liberal Democrats] in the Haxby and Wigginton Ward by-election this evening – looking forward to serving with Richard!” he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Cllr Watson has lived in Haxby for 40 years and recently retired from a career in the legal profession.

He represented the area for 21 years, both on Ryedale District Council and, after local government reorganisation, City of York Council.

When announcing his plans to stand, Mr Watson said: "I am looking forward to the campaign and to focusing on the issues of concern and interest to local residents such as improving access to GP and dentistry services and protecting our environment from the threat of over-development.

"I am also committed to ensuring that the schemes championed by the previous Lib Dem-led administration, such as delivering a new station for Haxby and securing the long-awaited dualling of the outer ring road, are delivered.”


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As The Press reported, the by-election was triggered after Liberal Democrat councillor Ed Pearson announced last month that he would be stepping down from the role, having first been elected by residents in Haxby and Wigginton in 2019.

When announcing his plans to resign, Cllr Pearson said it had been an “honour and privilege” to serve as a ward councillor for the past five and a half years.

He said he was resigning to spend more time with his family, and focus on his health and wellbeing.