Reform UK secure victory in Newquay by-election

10 hours ago

Seb NobleCornwall political reporter, Nansledan

News image — Lyndon Harrison emerged victorious for Reform UK in the Cornwall Council by-election in Newquay

BBC Lyndon has dark grey wavy hair and wears a dark grey suit, light blue shirt, and a teal tie with a Reform UK rosette on his left lapel. He has both of this thumbs up celebrating with other people behind him in the counting hall. — Lyndon Harrison emerged victorious for Reform UK in the Cornwall Council by-election in Newquay

Reform UK has held on to a seat at a by-election in Cornwall.

Lyndon Harrison took the Newquay Porth and Tretherras seat on Cornwall Council with 645 votes - beating off a challenge from the Green Party which finished second on 529.

Labour finished last - securing 120 votes - in a contest where the turnout of 37% exceeded the 33% from May 2025's local elections.

The by-election was held following the death of the area's former councillor Kevin Towill.

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Speaking after the result was declared, Harrison paid tribute to his friend Towill and confessed he was "pleased" and "relieved" to have held on to the seat.

"I was happy to step in and stand for his seat and I'm really grateful to everybody for having gone out and supported us.

"I'm going to carry on in the very hard-working way Kevin did. We're looking at roads, and potholes, and housing for young people, and some ideas for business in town.

"I did spend a couple of years as the chairman of the [Newquay] Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. I spent 10 years on Newquay Town Council and I hope to be able to look at that experience and make a big difference," he added.

BBC Radio Cornwall's political reporter Seb Noble looks back on the night

Topher has ginger hair and a ginger beard and wears a violent coloured top standing in the counting hall with a plain white wall behind him. — Independent candidate Topher Chard thought national issues had played a role in the campaign

Independent Topher Chard, who finished third, said it was encouraging to see turnout had increased - but he thought national issues had come into the campaign.

"It did feel very left versus right. Wider national politics did come into play a little bit. There was definitely a lot of leaflets from headquarters that were coming out.

"I think in terms of all the parties that are represented nationally, it is starting to make its way into local politics," he said.

It is the second seat in five months Reform UK has successfully defended in a by-election.

The Greens came second in the division where the party did not stand 12 months ago.