First Reform UK candidate chosen in Suffolk County Council’s Tower Division by-election win in Bury St Edmunds

A Reform UK candidate is the first ever to be chosen after a town's by-election win.

Martin Robinson has been elected to represent the Suffolk County Council's Tower Division seat in Bury St Edmunds with 1,332 votes.

The election followed the death of Robert Everitt in April, who had represented the division since 2017, part of his more than 40 years of public service.

The result marks the first time a Reform UK candidate has been elected in Suffolk.

He will join Cllr Cristopher Hudson, who defected to the Party from the Tories.

Mr Robinson promised to bring 'common sense politics' to the county council, challenge mismanagement and waste, and stand up for local democracy and integrity.

He said: "We will restore accountability, protect local services, and put the people of Bury St Edmunds first."

The turnout was 27.18 per cent.

The by-election results were:

Martin Robinson (Reform) - 1,332 votes (win)

Clare Higson (Green) - 1,155

Joanna Rayner (Conservative) - 808

Judith Moore (Labour) - 667

Frank Stennet (Independent) - 407

James Porter (Lib Dem) - 259