Conservatives Win Two Essex Council Seats, Reform UK Loses Ground After Expulsion Scandal

The Conservative Party has secured two council seats in recent by-elections held in Essex, a notable development following a scandal involving a Reform UK councillor.

Conservatives Regain Ground in Rochford and Rayleigh

Danielle Belton, former leader of Rochford District Council, won the Sweyne Park and Grange seat with over 50% of the vote. This victory marks her return to the council, where she will now sit in opposition to the Reform UK-led administration, having previously lost her Hockley and Ashingdon seat to Reform by a narrow margin in May. Her husband, Stuart Belton, simultaneously secured the Rayleigh West seat on Essex County Council, pushing Reform into third place behind the Liberal Democrats.

Danielle Belton stated her victory “sends a message” that the area is “not prepared to be used as a stepping stone for opportunist Reform members.” The turnout of 37% for the by-election was unusually high, underscoring local engagement.

Reform UK Contention and By-Election Context

These by-elections were necessitated by the expulsion of Stuart Prior from Reform UK, days after he had won his seat in the local elections. Prior faced accusations of making racist and Islamophobic posts on social media by the campaign group Hope Not Hate, allegations he denied when questioned by the press.

Peter Harris, Reform’s leader at Essex County Council, previously acknowledged that Prior’s selection appeared to be a mistake, citing extreme disappointment. Despite the Conservative gains, the by-election results will not shift the balance of power on either authority; Reform maintains a majority on Essex County Council and is expected to continue as a minority administration in Rochford.

Separately, the Liberal Democrats also retained the Springfield seat on Essex County Council, with Richard Lee taking over from the late Mike Mackrory.