Liberal Democrats hold Whickham North in council by-election
by Austen Shakespeare · ChronicleLiveThe Liberal Democrat opposition at Gateshead Council has maintained its stronghold on Whickham North following a by-election.
Susan Craig, formally a Lib Dem councillor for Low Fell, will now represent the people of Whickham North, having secured a total of 902 votes and a majority of 617. Shortly after her victory, Coun Craig told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that securing her new position on the council felt like "coming home".
The council position became vacant following the resignation of the previous Lib Dem Sonya Hawkins. The complete list of candidates and their respective votes received is as follows:
Robert Abelson (Con): 137
Jeff Bowe (LAB): 285
Susan Craig (LD): 902
Pat Chanse (GRN): 72
Electorate: 6,164
Total ballots cast 1,406
Turnout: 23%
Ahead of the declaration, Labour candidate Jeff Bowe, said: "It was always going to be a difficult seat, Whickham and Swalwell are very Liberal Democrat orientated. Having said that the response I have had on the doorstep is very positive."
Mr Bowe went on to say that voters may also be "weary" following the local election, general election and the recent by-election in Bridges.
Following the results, the leader of the council Labour's Martin Gannon said: "It is obviously disappointing not to win. I would make the point that 20 years ago that was a Labour seat and I still think it is a seat Labour should win.
"We will continue to work, not just in Whickham North, but all of Gateshead to win people's support."
On her victory, the newly elected Coun Susan Craig said: "If you want to beat Labour, vote Lib Dem. It is great to be back on the council. I thoroughly enjoyed it the first time around.
"It's nice to be back with the team, it's like coming home."
Lib Dem leader at the council, Coun Ron Beadle said: " I am delighted for the team and for Susan and it is great to see her back on the council and once again, it proves that the Liberal Democrats are the real alternative to Labour in Gateshead."
Join our Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community
Join our Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community for all the latest news direct to your phone.
To join you need to have WhatsApp on your device. All you need to do is choose which community you want to join, click on the link and press 'join community'.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the ChronicleLive team.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.
If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you’re curious, you can read our privacy notice.