Returning Farnley and Wortley councillor David Blackburn has said he is ‘honoured’ to be able to represent the ward again.
As reported by WLD, the Green Party candidate yesterday regained the seat he lost to Labour in May’s local election after receiving 1,450 votes. He was ahead of Labour’s Al Garthwaite on 965 and Reform’s David Dresser on 912 votes.
In a statement today, Cllr Blackburn said: “I am incredibly honoured by the trust the people of Farnley and Wortley have placed in me once more.
“It means I can continue fighting for a fairer, greener Leeds alongside my five other Green Party colleagues in the council chamber.
“Whether it’s tackling local housing issues, supporting renewable energy, or protecting green spaces, I will ensure that our community’s voice is heard loud and clear in Leeds City Council.”
Leader of the Leeds Greens, Cllr Penny Stables (Green, Wetherby), added: “This result is not just about Farnley and Wortley—it reflects a national trend.
“Voters are increasingly choosing real hope and real change from the Green Party – the only party that is serious about the climate crisis, social justice, and transforming local communities.”
Leeds South West and Labour MP Mark Sewards congratulated Cllr Blackburn, while praising the efforts of Labour candidate Al Garthwaite.
“Commiserations to Al Garthwaite and our Labour team, who ran a good campaign,” Mr Sewards said on social media.
“Al has done great things as a former Lord Mayor of Leeds and is a long-standing advocate for women’s rights, leading her to co-found Reclaim the Night. We are very grateful for Al’s efforts here.
“Farnley & Wortley residents retain two dedicated Labour councillors in Adrian McCluskey and Kate Haigh.
“Congratulations to Councillor David Blackburn on his election back to Leeds City Council. David previously served as a councillor in Farnley & Wortley for 26 years and was helpful towards me when I was elected as the lone Labour councillor for the ward in 2022.
“I remain committed to working with David and councillors from all parties in Leeds South West and Morley.”
Ms Garthwaite, who had been Leeds Lord Mayor earlier this year, had been a councillor in Headingley until she lost her seat to the Greens in May’s local elections.
The by-election was held due to Mr Sewards standing down as Farnley and Wortley councillor after being elected as MP in July’s national elections.
Results in full
- Allison, Peter – Independent: 70 (Candidate was earlier disqualified).
- Andrews, Peter – Liberal Democrats: 118
- Blackburn, David – Green: 1,450
- Dresser, David – Reform: 912
- Garthwaite, Al – Labour: 965
- Riley, Richard – Social Democratic Party: 26
- Suryawanshi, Lalit – Conservative: 202
The seat was previously contested in May, when Labour’s Kate Haigh beat Mr Blackburn with a 505 majority.
Overall political composition of the council (99 seats in total):
- Labour: 60 seats
- Conservative: 15 seats
- Green: 6 seats
- Liberal Democrats: 6 seats
- Morley Borough Independents: 4 seats
- Garforth and Swillington Independents Party: 3 seats
- Social Democratic Party: 3 seats
- Independents: 2 seats