Local Council By-Elections August 2022

This month saw 13,988 votes cast in eight local authority contests. All percentages are rounded to the nearest single decimal place. Three council seats changed hands and another was occupied after it was left uncontested following the last local elections. For comparison with July's results, see here.

Party	Number of Candidates	Total Vote	%	+/-  July	+/- Aug 21	Avge/ Contest	+/- Seats
Conservative	7	3,180	22.7%	-6.6	-13.4	454	-2
Labour	5	3.076	22.0%	-17.6	+8.7	615	-1
LibDem	6	4,685	33.5%	+18.0	+12.9	781	+1
Green	3	514	3.7%	-2.0	-2.0	171	0
SNP*	0						0
PC**	0						0
Ind***	9	2,462	17.6%	+12.4	+14.3	274	+3
Other****	1	71	0.5%	-4.2	-4.5	71	0

* There was one by-election in Scotland
** There were no by-elections in Wales
*** There were two Independent clashes
**** Others this month consisted of TUSC (71 votes)

August is always a funny month for by-elections. People go on holiday, everyone gets a bit more relaxed, and campaigning winds down. The result is a rush to cram as many by-elections into July or September. 2022 is no exception with just eight to declare. Thankfully, September returns to normal with at least 20 to look forward to But of this month, nothing much can be said about these results. As Labour powers ahead in the national polls, local concerns take over. The Tories drop two seats, Labour one, and the Liberal Democrats make a spectacular gain in Yorkshire and top the popular vote. But the winners this month are the Independents, and why they won are as varied as the candidates who stood themselves.

With the announcement of the almost doubling of the energy price cap today, unless the Tories come up with something comprehensive and universal in short order September's by-elections will resemble a slaughter.

4th August
Luton, Dallow, Lab hold
Shetland, North Isles, Ind gain from Vacant

11th August
Bridgend, Central, Ind gain from Lab
Spelthorne, Laleham & Shepperton Green, Con hold
Wychavon, Dodderhill, Con hold

18th August
Cambridge, Trumpington, LDem hold
Wyre, Preesall, Ind gain from Con

25th August
East Riding of Yorkshire, Beverley Rural, LDem gain from Con

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