Green Party Triumphs Over Reform UK in Key By-Election at Council
The Green Party captured a Kent County Council seat in a Cliftonville by-election held after a councillor’s jailing. The victory reduced Reform UK’s hold in the area and drew national attention.
Results and figures
Rob Yates won the Cliftonville seat for the Greens. He secured a clear plurality of the vote.
| Candidate | Party | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rob Yates | Green Party | 2,068 | 39% |
| Marc Rattigan | Reform UK | 1,767 | 33% |
| Charlie Leys | Conservative | 811 | 15% |
Winner profile
Rob Yates is 39 and works in offshore wind. He also sits on Thanet District Council.
Yates said he will focus on local issues and serve all residents. He framed the result as a move away from divisive politics.
Why the by-election happened
The contest followed the jailing of former councillor Daniel Taylor. He was sentenced to 12 months in February after admitting controlling behaviour towards his wife.
Taylor, 36, was suspended from Reform UK in June after his arrest. He was expelled from the party after pleading guilty in January.
Local political impact
Reform UK won control of Kent County Council in May last year. They initially took 57 of the 81 seats.
That number has since fallen to 47 after adjustments and removals. The Greens now hold six council seats following this gain.
- Liberal Democrats: 12 members
- Restore Britain Kent: 7 members
- Conservatives: 6 members
- Greens: 6 members
- Labour: 2 members
Last May in Cliftonville, Reform UK led with 40% of the vote. Labour had 22%, Conservatives 20% and the Greens 12% at that time.
Reactions from parties
Reform UK praised its candidate and campaign team despite the loss. Party representatives suggested the result underlines split opposition votes.
The Green group’s leader at the council described the outcome as a seismic political shift. He said it confirms a change in momentum against Reform UK.
Campaign and endorsements
Campaigners from across the Green movement supported Yates. Former Green leader and first Green MP Caroline Lucas campaigned locally.
Current Green leader Zack Polanski campaigned before the vote. He planned a return for a victory rally on Margate beach.
The outcome is being viewed as a local triumph for the Green Party and a setback for Reform UK. It marks another notable change in Kent council politics after recent turmoil.
Filmogaz.com will continue to follow developments at the council and in local by-elections.
