‘A stunning result’: Lib Dems win Avenue seat from Labour

‘DELIGHTED’: New Liberal Democrat Avenue ward councillor Rhiannon Beeson

By Angus Young

The Liberal Democrats have strengthened their grip on power at Hull City Council after winning a by-election in Avenue ward.

Rhiannon Beeson, who runs her own marketing agency and lives in Park Avenue, won the seat left vacant after the resignation of sitting Labour councillor Marjorie Brabazon.

She said: “I am delighted to represent the place I call home and thank all those who supported me.

“I promise to listen to local residents, get things done and be the local champion people in our area deserve.”

The by-election saw a 10.5 per cent swing to the Lib Dems from Labour based on the 2023 council election result in the ward when Labour’s Abi Singh held his seat. Yesterday’s turnout was 29 per cent.

The result means the Lib Dems have increased their majority at the Guildhall. They now have 33 seats to Labour’s 23, with one independent.

While Keir Starmer is celebrating Labour parliamentary by-election victories in Wellingborough and Kingwood, his party’s fortunes in Hull continue to slump.

The failure to hold the seat in Avenue follows not only internal disciplinary action against former councillor Brabazon which triggered her resignation, but also a decision by former Lord Mayor Steve Wilson to quit the group, citing a “toxic environment” as the reason for his departure.

TALLY: The count under way last night

Labour activists – including Hull North MP Diana Johnson – canvassed heavily during the campaign on behalf of candidate Karen Wood but their efforts were in vain.

Delighted Lib Dem leader Councillor Mike Ross said: “This is a stunning result for the Liberal Democrats in Hull. We have shown again we are on the up here.

“People supported our amazing local candidate Rhiannon and now they have a fantastic local champion.

“The result is damning for Labour. They are in freefall.

“They have had councillors quit and now they have lost this super-marginal seat.”

Barring a dramatic turnaround, the result also suggests the Lib Dems will go into May’s annual council elections as clear favourites.

Result
Rhiannon Beeson (Lib Dem) 1,186 [GAIN]
Karen Wood (Lab) 1,029
James Russell (Green) 198
Michael Whale (Ind) 139
Alex Hayward (Con) 43