Full Breakdown
Recent UK By-Elections Highlight Shifts in Local and Parliamentary Politics
By Drooid · · How we work
Overview of Recent By-Elections
In spring and summer 2024, three by-elections took place across England. Labour retained a council seat in New Bradwell, Milton Kens, while the Greens captured both seats in Brighton’s Queen’s Park ward. A parliamentary by-election in Holborn and St Pancras is set for early October.
Milton Keynes City Council By-Election – New Bradwell
The vacancy arose after councillor Shanika Mahendran died on July 1. The by-election was held on September 24, with results declared the next day.
- Winner: Tracey Bailey (Labour) – 1,023 votes
- Runner-up: Julian Camies (Reform UK) – 441 votes
- Majority: 582 votes
- Turnout: 25.9 % of the 7,300 electorate
Bailey, a former councillor for Danesborough and Walton, said the election was an honour and pledged to continue Labour’s work in the community. The seat remains Labour-held despite the party’s loss of overall council control earlier in the year.
Brighton & Hove City Council By-Election – Queen’s Park
The contest followed the resignation of Labour councillor Tristram Burden.
- Winner: Mark Strong (Green) – 1,139 votes
- Runner-up: Steve Gladwin (Labour) – 802 votes
- Majority: 337 votes
- Turnout: 33.36 % (2,281 votes)
Strong thanked voters and criticised Labour’s handling of local concerns, citing the climate crisis and street-level hate. Green leader Steve Davis noted the party’s council representation grew from seven to twelve seats since 2023.
Upcoming Holborn and St Pancras Parliamentary By-Election
The seat became vacant after Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation. Nominations closed on September 15; the election is scheduled for October 8. Camden Council listed the candidates:
- Sagal Abdi-Wali – Labour (Camden Council leader)
- Ewan Cameron – Conservative (former Camden councillor)
- Clare Fischer – Climate Party
- George Galloway – Workers Party of Britain
- Tyler Johnson – Restore Britain
- Briony Kapoor – Rejoin EU Party
- Pete Newman – Reform UK (former Metropolitan Police detective)
- Zack Polanski – Green Party (London Assembly member)
- Helen Spiby-Vann – Christian Peoples Alliance
- Patrick Stillman – Liberal Democrats (West Hampstead councillor)
Data & Statistics
| Election | Winning Party | Vote Total | Majority | Turnout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Bradwell (Milton Kens) | Labour | 1,023 | 582 | 25.9 % |
| Queen’s Park (Brighton) | Green | 1,139 | 337 | 33.36 % |
| Holborn & St Pancras (Parliamentary) | – (pending) | – | – | – (candidates announced) |
Political Implications
Milton Kens shows Labour can hold traditional seats despite losing council control, while the Green win in Queen’s Park indicates rising support for environmental platforms in urban wards. The Holborn and St Pancras contest will test whether Starmer’s departure opens space for smaller parties.
Official Statements & Responses
- Tracey Bailey emphasized her commitment to local services in New Bradwell.
- Mark Strong framed his win as a mandate for climate and social action.
- Steve Davis highlighted the Greens’ council growth as evidence of expanding support.
What’s Next
Voters in Holborn and St Pancras will head to the polls on October 8. The result will be watched for signs of how the national landscape may shift ahead of the next general election.