New Northwich town councillor voted in after by-election

There had been a vacancy on the town council since May, when previous ward councillor Andrew Cooper stood down to focus on his ultimately successful parliamentary election campaign.

Mr Cooper's resignation triggered a by-election, for which three candidates stood: Labour's Stephen Harcombe; Penny Hitch for the Conservatives; and for Reform - Emma Guy, who was also the party's Mid Cheshire MP candidate.

And following polling day yesterday (Thursday), in which there was a turnout of just 13.19 per cent, Stephen Harcombe was elected to the town council.

In his message to voters ahead of the by-election, Mr Harcombe said: "On July 4 we saw the return of a new Labour Government that has already started work on bringing about the changes Mid Cheshire and the country wanted.

"I am proud to be your Labour candidate for Leftwich and keen to build on past successes of the town council, such as our fantastic parks and play areas, including Old Hall Road in Leftwich.

"The council puts on an impressive range of events, enriching the town for residents, visitors, and supporting local businesses.

Stephen Harcombe, the new Labour town councillor for Leftwich (Image: Supplied)

"If elected, I will focus on continuing to improve the local environment as well as working in partnership with other agencies including Cheshire West and Chester Council and Northwich BID.

"Working together we can achieve more. I came to Northwich 38 years ago and have lived in Leftwich since 2003.

"I am now retired after nine years in the steel industry and 35 in IT.

"I feel it is now time to give something back to the town and community which have been so supportive and made me settle here for good."

Mr Harcombe won with 262 votes, while Ms Hitch and Ms Guy received 139 and 88 respectively. One vote was rejected.

Cllr Sam Naylor, representing Witton, welcomed Mr Harcombe to the town council.

He said: "Steve is a hard-working future councillor. I've got to know him over the last few years, he campaigned with us in the general election.

"He lives in the ward and will be good asset to the really hard-working Northwich Town Council."