Durham by-election: Lib Dems win seat off Reform UK
The win is a boost for the largest opposition party after Reform's success earlier this year when it took control of the local authority for the first time.Reflecting on his win, Rooney said: "I'm humbled to serve the community where I live and where I grew up."
Council data estimated the by-election triggered by Mr Kilburn's resignation would cost about £22,800, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service."I have campaigned for the Reform Party's millionaire backers to pay for the £23,000 of council taxpayers' money they have wasted on this by-election due to their own incompetence nominating an ineligible candidate," Rooney said.The BBC has approached Reform UK for comment, but a spokesperson previously said: "We understand that Mr Kilburn did not declare his employment to the returning officer as expected and is now required to resign his seat."The turnout for Thursday's by-election was 37%.
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