Desmond Clarke, elected as a Reform UK councillor for Newark West on 1st May, 2025, resigned less than a week later due to personal circumstances and his inability to balance his social care career with council duties.
His resignation triggered a by-election which took place on 3rd July. The by-election was won by Conservative Keith Girling with a narrow majority of just eight votes.
The Conservative Councillors' Association proudly posted to X:
Congratulations to Cllr Keith Girling on gaining Newark West from Reform in Nottinghamshire. It is great to have you back!
Let's be clear. This by-election was completely unnecessary. Reform’s councillor in Newark quit after just six days, leaving residents without a voice, abandoning those who had put their trust in them, and landing taxpayers with a £25,000 bill.
It is clear Reform have no plan to seriously run councils, let alone the country.
https://twitter.com/CCACllrs/status/1940910654010823084
