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Independents win key seat in battle for control of Ripon City Council

Friday, 21 November 2025 07:47

Independent candidate Sherrie Hunt.

Independent candidate Sherrie Hunt has won the Ripon City Council by-election for the Ure Bank Ward.

The result shifts the balance of power away from the Liberal Democrat–led administration.

The seat became vacant following the resignation of former councillor Jo Bate.

Turnout for the poll was 33%, with Sherrie receiving 500 votes.

Liberal Democrat candidate Tom Cavell-Taylor finished second with 396, while Reform UK’s Paula Pearse received 168.

The outcome means the group led by the Mayor, Liberal Democrat Cllr Barbara Brodigan, will no longer hold a majority on the council.

The vote comes amid ongoing tensions at Ripon City Council, including recent staff resignations and disagreements among councillors.

Those issues are also at the centre of a parish poll scheduled for Thursday 27th November, called by a group of residents seeking to gauge public confidence in the Mayor.

Cllr Brodigan has criticised the poll, describing it as a politically motivated and unnecessary use of public funds. However, its proposer, Ripon resident Brian McHugh, said the poll should proceed, arguing it will give residents an opportunity to express their views on the council’s recent difficulties.

The parish poll, organised by North Yorkshire Council, will ask electors whether they have confidence in Cllr Brodigan. Voting will take place next Thursday between 4pm and 9pm, with four polling stations open across the city.

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