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Sharan Sira Secures Wyboston Ward for Conservatives in By-Election
In a closely watched by-election, Councillor Sharan Sira has retained the Wyboston Ward seat for the Conservative Party, becoming the newest representative on the Bedford Borough Council.
A Resilient Victory in Challenging Times
This victory follows the second by-election since the local elections held in 2023. The by-election was necessitated by the resignation of Julie Cox, a fellow Conservative. The earlier by-election was triggered when Tom Wootton, another Conservative, was declared the new mayor of Bedford.
Mayor Wootton, in an interview preceding last year's local elections, had expressed his intent not to stand for both roles. However, he conceded that the unexpected death of another councillor had thrown the Conservative Party's election plans into disarray. "I just couldn’t bear to give it away and [put in a] paper candidate," Wootton remarked at the time, illustrating the turmoil that necessitated the holding of these by-elections.
Cost of Democracy
Bedford Borough Council disclosed that the estimated cost for this second by-election was £9,701.88 as of June. Notably, this by-election coincided with a Parliamentary Election, allowing some costs, including staffing and venue hire, to be shared, thereby reducing the overall expenditure.
The first by-election, also a byproduct of the unexpected political developments, was estimated to have cost £12,366.74 according to figures released in June 2023.
Results and Turnout
The results of the latest by-election revealed a decisive victory for Sharan Sira, who garnered 1,096 votes. She outperformed Susan Henchley from the Liberal Democrats, who received 515 votes, and Richard Baker of the Green Party, who secured 277 votes.
The turnout for this election stood at a robust 66.9%, with 1,918 voters casting their ballots. However, 30 ballot papers were rejected. These numbers underscore the engagement and commitment of the Wyboston Ward electorate in shaping their representation.
Looking Ahead
As Councillor Sharan Sira steps into her new role, she will be navigating a landscape marked by recent political upheavals. Her victory reaffirms the Conservative hold on Wyboston Ward, providing a stable platform for addressing local issues and contributing to broader council initiatives.
by John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
