Rotherham by-election to test shifting political landscape

Voters in a Rotherham ward once swept up in a Conservative landslide will head back to the polls this month, with six candidates contesting a seat left vacant by the death of a respected councillor.

The Anston and Woodsetts by-election takes place on Thursday, November 19, following the death of Conservative John Blackham, who was elected in May 2024.

The retired auditor and accountant was remembered by colleagues for his dedication to residents and the experience he brought to scrutinising council decisions.

His death has prompted another election in a ward which has seen some significant political shifts in recent years.

The Conservatives won all three Anston and Woodsetts seats in 2021, as the party stormed onto Rotherham Council with 20 councillors.

But their clean sweep lasted just seven months. Conservative councillor Emma McClure stepped down due to caring commitments, triggering a December 2021 by-election in which Liberal Democrat Drew Tarmey took the seat with 1,016 votes to the Conservatives' 686.

The Tories subsequently lost ground across Rotherham, returning 13 councillors in the 2024 elections, although they retained two seats in Anston and Woodsetts.

Conservative Tim Baum-Dixon topped the 2024 poll with 1,325 votes, followed by Coun Tarmey on 1,227 and Coun Blackham on 1,217.

Fellow Liberal Democrat Bev Thornley, who is standing again this month, secured 1,023 votes.

Turnout was also higher than the borough average, with 35 per cent of eligible voters casting their ballots compared with 28 per cent across Rotherham.

But November’s election presents a different political picture - Reform UK and the Green Party, which did not field candidates in the ward in 2024, are both on the ballot this time.

Both parties now have a foothold on Rotherham Council, each holding one seat.

And unlike the full council elections, when residents could vote for up to three candidates, there is just one seat up for grabs.

The six candidates are Andy Damms (Reform UK), Annie Blench (Green Party), Ashley John Gregory (Labour), Bev Thornley (Liberal Democrats), Mike Hemingway (Conservative) and Paul Douglas Vernon (Restore Britain).

The successful candidate will join Coun Baum-Dixon and Coun Tarmey in representing Anston and Woodsetts.

Polling stations will open from 7am until 10pm.