LABOUR CANDIDATE ELECTED IN PRUDHOE TOWN COUNCIL BYELECTION
Congratulations to Paddy O’Kelly who was elected this night to Prudhoe Town Council, representing West Wylam with 58% of the vote.
Elections are the bedrock of our democracy and this by-election was an important opportunity for voters in West Wylam to make their voices heard.
Paddy has said this evening:
“I am delighted to be elected to represent the community of West Wylam. I have lived in Prudhoe for many years and I am passionate about the area. I already know many of the local residents but I have really enjoyed meeting so many of my neighbours and hearing about their ideas to improve the West Wylam area. I will work very hard to represent them and I am looking forward to getting stuck in straight away. Many residents said that they felt the area needed a more effective local voice and I am determined not to let them down. I would like to thank my opponent, Jennifer Burn, who is a very respected local resident. I look forward to working with her now the election is over. I would also like to thank all the members of Prudhoe Labour Party who helped with my campaign. The Labour Party is resurgent in this area and we are working hard in the local community”.
The election means that the Labour Party is the biggest group on Prudhoe Town Council. Angie Scott, Labour Northumberland County Councillor for Prudhoe North said “Paddy will be a fantastic advocate for the people of West Wylam. I was really impressed with his campaign and his knowledge of local issues. I am looking forward to working with Prudhoe Town Council to tackle some of the challenges facing the people of Prudhoe”
The byelection was called following the removal of the former councillor who had been unable to attend council meetings due to work commitments.
Update!
Both the Hexham Courant and The Chronicle covered Paddy’s win in West Wylam.
Voters in West Wylam were surprised that there was any controversy over the need for an election. The previous incumbent had stepped down due to non-attendance at Town Council meetings and an election was called so that the people of West Wylam could exercise their democratic right to choose their representative. That’s money well spent!