Conservatives narrowly reclaim Bosmere from Reform UK

Why it matters: The result ends Reform UK's short-lived hold on Bosmere, which was triggered by the resignation of former councillor Gary Keogh in September, and returns the seat to the party that held it before May's election.

The details: Oakes secured 762 votes to see off Green candidate Adria Pittock, who polled 739 votes, in a poll held on Thursday, 12 November 2026. Reform UK's Patrick Wegener came third with 400 votes, well down on the 1,241 votes that won the seat for Keogh in May.

Restore Britain's Nigel Mills took 182 votes, Liberal Democrat Attila Borzak received 109 votes, and Labour's Saffeen Yamulki polled 106 votes. Turnout was 27%, compared with 44.65% in May.

By the numbers:

• Conservative: 762 votes (33.2%)
• Green: 739 votes (32.2%)
• Reform UK: 400 votes (17.4%)
• Restore Britain: 182 votes (7.9%)
• Liberal Democrat: 109 votes (4.7%)
• Labour: 106 votes (4.6%)

What they're saying: Many had expected the Greens to take the seat, but sources within Reform UK told Ipswich.co.uk that there was very limited support within the party for Wegener's campaign, and that infighting appears to have cost them the division. One party insider blamed "the incompetent campaign run by the regional middle-managers" for the "very poor result".

Newly elected Cllr Kay Oakes said:“I am absolutely delighted to be back representing Bosmere at Suffolk County Council. I know the area well, and I am looking forward to getting out, speaking to residents and hearing about the issues that matter most to them. I will work hard to make sure their concerns are heard and that Bosmere gets the representation it deserves.”

Cllr Richard Rout, Leader of the Conservative Group, said: “It is fantastic to have Kay back at Endeavour House. She brings great experience and knows Bosmere and its residents very well. She will be a great addition to our group as we continue to hold the Reform UK administration to account.

"This result shows that residents are already turning away from Reform UK. Just six months after the County Council elections, people are seeing through the empty promises made by Reform and quickly growing tired of their behaviour.

“Kay has always been committed to her community, and I know she will get straight back to work, standing up for residents and making sure their voices are heard at Suffolk County Council.”

Who is Kay Oakes: Oakes has lived in Needham Market for 24 years and served as a Town Councillor for 15 years, including three terms as Town Mayor. She was first elected to Suffolk County Council in October 2018, where she serves on the Scrutiny Committee.

For context: The by-election was triggered after Keogh resigned, citing changes to his personal and family circumstances alongside the demands of a career that requires him to work away from home. He had won the seat for Reform UK in May with 1,241 votes.

Before the May election, and under the previous division boundaries, Oakes held the Bosmere seat for the Conservatives, having been elected in May 2021 with 1,357 votes.

The bottom line: The Conservatives have reclaimed Bosmere by the narrowest of margins, with a strong Green showing and Reform UK's collapse paving the way for Oakes' return as councillor for Bosmere.

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