Reform holds on to seat in Cornwall Council by-election

Reform UK have held on to a seat on Cornwall Council in a tightly fought by-election.

Heinz Glanville was elected as the new member for the St Columb Minor and Colan division.

He secured 408 votes to finish ahead of Independent candidate John Fitter who polled 325, with the Liberal Democrats finishing third on 296.

The by-election was called after the previous member for the division, Christine Parsonage, resigned for medical reasons in October.

She won the seat for Reform UK at May’s local elections – before later becoming one of five councillors to resign from the party to form a new Independent group.

Victory in the by-election has further cemented Reform’s position as the second biggest party on Cornwall Council – where the party sits in opposition.

Glanville promised not to let voters down and stated opposing a proposed park-and-rail site at Quintrell Downs and creating more housing for young people were among his priorities.

“I wanted to do this because I want to do the best for the village and the parish. It means a vast amount.

“If I can get in and I can make a small difference then as far as I’m concerned I’m doing my bit,” he said.

John Fitter, who fought the election as an Independent, congratulated Glanville and said this would probably be the end of his political career.

Fitter had been attempting to regain the seat he lost to Reform UK in May – which brought an end his 16-year spell on the council.

“I think this is the end for me. I’ve been very lucky and privileged to serve the people of my division,” he said.

“I really thank them very much indeed for their loyalty to me. I really believe that they will be well served by their new Cornwall councillor.”

Councillor Leigh Frost, the Liberal Democrat leader of the council, said the party would “continue to keep fighting to improve Cornwall”.

“Of all the parties that stood in May’s elections we’re the only one to see a huge increase in vote share,” he said.

Heinz Glanville, Reform UK – 408

John Fitter, Independent – 325

Geoff Brown, Liberal Democrat – 296

Frances Williamson, Green Party – 173

Mark Formosa, Conservative – 73

Stuart Hind, Labour – 9

Nigel May, Independent – 3

Turnout: 28%