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Conservatives hold Wombourne North as Elizabeth Keeling wins by-election

Elizabeth Keeling has held Wombourne North for the Conservatives in a South Staffordshire District Council by-election, winning 864 votes to Reform UK's 645.

By Charlotte Mercer • Published 25 September 2026 at 09:05 • 1 min read
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Conservative candidate Elizabeth Keeling has won the Wombourne North by-election for South Staffordshire District Council, holding the seat for her party.

Keeling received 864 votes in the poll on Thursday 24 September 2026. Reform UK candidate Marie Shortland finished second with 645 votes, giving the Conservatives a majority of 219.

Full Wombourne North by-election result

  1. Elizabeth Beatrice Florence Keeling — Conservative and Unionist Party: 864 (50.1%)
  2. Marie Ann Shortland — Reform UK: 645 (37.4%)
  3. Anil Kumar Singh — Labour and Co-operative Party: 115 (6.7%)
  4. Claire McIlvenna — Green Party: 68 (3.9%)
  5. Michael James Jones — Liberal Democrats: 33 (1.9%)

The percentages are calculated from 1,725 valid votes and rounded to one decimal place. The council's declaration records 1,731 ballot papers issued, including six rejected ballot papers, from an electorate of 5,514. Turnout was approximately 31.4%.

Conservatives retain the seat

The by-election followed the death of Conservative councillor Barry Bond MBE, who had represented the area on South Staffordshire Council. The council said Bond died on 25 June 2026.

Keeling's victory means Wombourne North remains represented by a Conservative councillor. The declaration names Elizabeth Beatrice Florence Keeling as the candidate duly elected.

Sources

  1. South Staffordshire District Council: by-election page and official declaration of result
  2. South Staffordshire District Council: tribute to Barry Bond MBE
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