Reform UK wins Lutterworth East by-election
Written by HFM News on 3rd July 2026
Reform UK has won the Lutterworth East by-election, taking the seat from Labour and securing its second councillor on Harborough District Council.
The victory means Reform UK is now officially recognised as a political group on the authority.
Reform candidate Bill Piper topped the poll with 403 votes, finishing 17 votes ahead of Conservative candidate Sarah Simms, who received 386.
Bill Piper was elected as the new councillor for Lutterworth East
Labour’s Martin Cullen came third with 271 votes, just one vote ahead of Liberal Democrat Stephen Walkley on 270. Green Party candidate Adam Holmes received 97 votes.
The by-election was called following the death of Labour councillor David Gair in April.
Despite the result, the Conservatives remain the largest party on Harborough District Council, holding 15 of the authority’s 34 seats, although they do not have an overall majority.
Voter turnout was 36%.
