PARTY PICKED UP MORE THAN 65% OF THE VOTE

PARTY PICKED UP MORE THAN 65% OF THE VOTE

- By STUART ARNOLD Local democracy reporter

Craig Holmes

REFORM UK has taken its first seat on Redcar and Cleveland Council after its candidate Craig Holmes topped polling in the Skelton East ward.

A vacancy was created after Conservative councillor Andy Oliver stepped down.

Reform UK picked up more than 65% of the vote with Conservative candidate Julie Craig trailing in third place.

The ward has traditionally been held by the Tories, but the success for Nigel Farage’s Reform was not unexpected with its popularity surging in national opinion polls.