Warwickshire County Council Election Results: Live Updates
The highly anticipated Warwickshire County Council (WCC) election results are in, with 57 councillors set to be voted onto the council. According to Nub News, big changes are expected at Shire Hall, with more than a third of current county councillors not seeking re-election.
As of 3:40 pm, only three seats remained to be announced in Warwickshire, with one in the Warwick district (Leamington Clarendon) and two in Stratford. Nub News reported that Reform had taken 23 seats so far, but would fall short of the 29 seats needed for an overall majority.
In a significant development, former council leader Izzi Seccombe lost her seat in Stour and the Vale to David Curtis of the Liberal Democrats. This was confirmed by Nub News at 2:38 pm. Other results announced included the re-election of Tracey Drew for Kenilworth Park Hill, a Green hold, and Richard Dickson being elected for Kenilworth St John’s as the Liberal Democrats.
The Greens also gained a seat in Lapworth & West Kenilworth, with Mark Stevens being elected. This was at the expense of the Conservatives, who previously held the seat. Nub News also reported that Judy Falp had been re-elected in Whitnash for Whitnash Residents Association.
Reform UK made significant gains in the north of the county, with 17 seats announced at 1:11 pm. However, the Conservatives also secured their first seat in Hillmorton (Rugby), while Labour gained two seats, both in Rugby. As Nub News noted, the magic number for a majority is 29, but it remains to be seen if any party will achieve this.
Ahead of the elections, James Crocker, Reform UK’s Stratford-on-Avon branch chair, expressed confidence that his party would win seats. Nub News reported that he said: "We will win seats, I am absolutely confident on that".
The final seat totals are: Reform 23, Liberal Democrats 14, Conservative 9, Green 7, Labour 3, and Whitnash Residents Association 1. These results were reported by Nub News as the live updates concluded.
Turnout and Verification
Verification for all but one ward was completed by 11:59 am, with turnout figures ranging from 30% to 40% for most wards. Leamington Brunswick had the lowest turnout at 26%. Nub News provided live updates throughout the day, including images from inside the count.
Pre-Election Analysis
In the run-up to the elections, Nub News noted that more than a third of current county councillors were not seeking re-election, including four members of the current cabinet. The Conservatives currently dominated WCC, holding 41 of the 57 seats. However, the Liberal Democrats and Greens were optimistic about their chances, with Jonathan Chilvers, the Green group leader, expressing positivity about Lapworth and West Kenilworth.
The elections have significant implications for the county, with the potential for a new balance of power at Shire Hall. As Nub News reported, all eyes were on current council leader Izzi Seccombe as she looked to be re-elected to WCC. The outcome will be closely watched by residents and politicians alike.
