Reform UK party members cheer after winning two seats on the Medway Council for the first time, while Labour has regained one following the by-election.
Reform councillors John Vye and David Finch will now represent Rochester East and Warren Wood after gaining 1,672 votes in total. In comparison, Labour and Co-operative Councillor Liubov Nestorova has taken the seat for Gillingham South with 706 votes.
Chief Executive of Medway Council Richard Hicks announced the results after being asked to undertake a recount.
In his speech alongside Vye, David Finch said:
“I’ve been dreaming of a time when the English are sick to death of Labour and Tories.
“Rochester, that time has arrived.”
He stated in his interview that Reform UK will succeed, bring change and provide any stability or hope for the future, which he says the two main parties do not give.
Nestorova said the results show the trust put into Labour to deliver for the people of Gillingham South.
She added:
“This vote means everything, and I will work hard every day to ensure your voices are heard and your concerns are acted on.
“I am tired, yeah, but satisfied with what we’ve done and very excited about what we will do in Gillingham South moving forward.”
Deputy Leader of the Council, Teresa Murray, emphasises being unsupportive of “right-wing views, racism, xenophobia, and scare-mongering” and states the same for inexperience.
Leader of the Council Vince Mapel adds how a handful of votes can make or break the decision.
Joe Ryan reports.