Reform UK wins first council seat in Broadland

Reform UK has won its first seat on a district council in Norfolk, following a by-election.

Acle ward in Broadland became vacant when Conservative Lana Hempsall resigned last month.

Jimmi Lee took the seat for Reform with 322 votes, ahead of the Conservatives on 208, Greens on 200 and Labour on 186.

The council has been run by an alliance of the Liberal Democrats, Greens and Labour since the local elections in 2023, when the Tories lost control after 24 years in power.

Hempsall had held the seat since 2011.

Lee's victory comes after Reform gained its first seats on Norfolk County Council in by-elections earlier this month.

The party also has councillors on the authorities in Breckland and King's Lynn and West Norfolk.

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