Havering Sees Ex-Big Brother Star Win Council Seat, SNP MPs Face By-Elections
The 2026 elections for English councils, the Welsh Senedd, and the Scottish Parliament have concluded, with thousands of candidates vying for positions across the country. Amongst the results, several notable events unfolded during the overnight counts on Thursday and Friday.
Former Big Brother Contestant Wins Havering Council Seat
Alex Sibley, known for his appearance on the 2002 series of Big Brother, has been elected as a Reform UK councillor for Emerson Park in Havering. Sibley and fellow Reform candidate David Johnson secured their seats from the Havering Residents Association. Sibley, 47, reportedly lightened the mood at the count by announcing his need to depart for the school run after his victory.
Dual Mandate Rules Force SNP Westminster Resignations
New regulations prohibiting individuals from simultaneously serving as both a Member of Parliament (MP) and a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) will necessitate by-elections for two Westminster seats. Stephen Flynn, the SNP Westminster leader, won the Aberdeen Deeside and North Kincardine seat in the Scottish Parliament. He now has 49 days to resign his Aberdeen South MP seat. Similarly, Stephen Gethins, who was elected MP for Arbroath and Broughty Ferry in 2024, must also vacate his Westminster position after securing the Dundee City East seat at Holyrood.
Doctor Aids Collapsed Liberal Democrat at Merton Count
In a moment transcending political divides, a Liberal Democrat candidate collapsed at approximately 4 am during the Merton count in London. A Reform UK candidate, who is a doctor, provided immediate assistance to ensure the individual's well-being. The Liberal Democrat candidate subsequently returned home to rest.
Captain Beany's Final Electoral Bid
Independent candidate Captain Beany, known for his distinctive baked bean-themed attire, made his final electoral attempt in the Afan Ogwr Rhondda Senedd count. The 71-year-old, a long-standing figure in Welsh elections since the 1990s, expressed a desire to inspire younger generations into political engagement.
Ex-Stoke City Player Joins Newcastle-under-Lyme Council
Former Stoke City footballer Graham Shaw has transitioned into local politics, securing a seat on Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, representing the Knutton ward as a Reform councillor. Shaw reportedly believes voters were willing to 'give him a chance' due to broader frustrations with national politics.
