Nigel Farage faces crunch by-election in seaside town as Reform UK promises to send ‘undeniable shockwave’

The by-election was called following the resignation of Liberal Democrats councillor Jo Clements.

The Lib Dems won when the ward last voted in May 2023, securing 42.7 per cent of the vote.

The contest before that was led by the Conservatives in 2019.

Eight candidates are standing in this week’s by-election, including candidates from Reform UK and Restore Britain.

Reform UK’s candidate, promised to send an “undeniable shockwave” to the Liberal Democrat-led council.

In a video shared on social media, Ms Dion said: “I just want to explain why it’s really important to come out and vote, even though we’ve got the unitary authority elections just six months away.

“This is an immediate opportunity to send an undeniable shockwave to the Lib Dem-led BCP Council, forcing them to wake up to the frustration that residents are feeling about the ongoing decline in public services and the wasting of taxpayers’ money.”

The candidate made clear that she is an “experienced an effective councillor”, having served Penn Hill for 16 years as a Tory member.

She said: “I have a proven track record in working hard for a residence, making things happen and delivering on any promises.

“But I stepped away from the Conservatives over the very poor decision to merge Poole with Bournemouth and Christchurch. It was never in Poole’s interests and that’s proven to be the case.

“I’m standing again, this time as a Reform UK candidate, because I really love Poole and I love Penn Hill. It’s been my home for over 30 years and I was brought up just down the road in Ashley Cross. I will never promise anything that I can’t deliver.”

Ms Dion warned that this week’s by-election is “not a trial run”.

She concluded: “If elected, I will provide a strong, common-sense voice for our community and stand as a very vocal opponent against more wasting of your taxpayers’ money.

“This by-election is not a trial run. It is an opportunity to secure strong opposition to the council. We cannot afford another six months of unchecked spending and ignored public consultations.”

Penn Hill’s other candidates include Max Walker for Restore Britain, Ace Cruz for the Green Party and Amanda Jellicoe for the Liberal Democrats, hoping to hold the party’s seat.

The council has declared that the “choice is clear between Community Champion Amanda Jellicoe and Reform UK”.

In a video shared on social media, Ms Jellicoe revealed why she is standing in the by-election.

She said: “I’m standing in the Penn Hill by-election because I want to give something back to the area that has given so much to me and my family.

“And that’s why I’m asking for your support on Thursday 5th November.”