08 Dec 2023
The Liberal Democrats have overturned a 1,580 Conservative majority to win the Harpenden Rural seat in yesterday’s county council by-election.
Alison Wren received 1,474 votes, compared to 766 for the Conservatives, 168 for Labour and 119 for the Greens, taking the seat vacated following the resignation of Conservative Annie Brewster to become the county’s next High Sheriff.
Meanwhile, Simon Johns held the district council seat for the Lib Dems in Sandridge and Wheathampstead ward.
The by-elections, both in the new constituency of Harpenden and Berkhamsted, are being highlighted as a huge boost to parliamentary candidate Victoria Collins and the Liberal Democrats working to win the seat at the next General Election.
Victoria said: “These results are a ringing endorsement of the brilliant campaign that Allison and Simon have run, as well as the strong Liberal Democrat record of action in communities right across our part of Hertfordshire.
“It is clearer than ever before that the next election here will be a two-horse race between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives. Labour won’t win here – they aren’t even close.
“Right across Harpenden and Berkhamsted, people are telling us time and time again that enough is enough – they are fed up of being taken for granted by the Conservatives, and it’s time for change.”
Cllr Steve Jarvis, leader of the Lib Dem group on Hertfordshire County Council, said: “I am delighted to welcome Allison to our county group, and I know she will be a passionate and tireless champion for the people of Harpenden Rural.
“This result should send a clear message to the Conservatives ahead of the General Election and the county elections in May 2025. Voters right across Hertfordshire are sick
and tired of Conservative chaos in national government and at County Hall, and they are turning to the Liberal Democrats in droves.”
Cllr Helen Campbell, deputy leader of SADC, added: “I know that Simon Johns will be a brilliant district councillor for Sandridge and Wheathampstead, and his commitment to making his community the best it can be is inspiring. I’d like to thank the people of Harpenden Rural and St Albans district for continuing to put their faith in the Liberal Democrats.”
