Labour win Selby and Ainsty by-election

They have overturned a majority of more than 20,000

Author: Kathy GreenPublished 21st Jul 2023
Last updated 21st Jul 2023

Labour have won the Selby and Ainsty by-election.

It was called after Conservative MP Nigel Adams resigned last month (June).

At the last election in 2019 he had secured a majority of more than 20,000.

The seat has been Conservative since it was created in 2010.

Before that, it was Labour's since 1997.

Who is Kier Mather?

The 25 year old has become the youngest MP in the House of Commons. He says tackling the cost of living crisis is his number 1 priority:

"I'll set up financial support surgeries and hubs across this constituency to provide people with expert advice on their mortgages, energy and the price of food.

"I've spoken to people on doorsteps and the conversations I've been having are heart-breaking people need all the help they can get and I'm determined to deliver it."

Local campaigners will be hoping that the new Labour MP will help deliver plans for a long awaited SEN school in the constituency:

"We have the unjust situation here where children have to travel have to travel to Harrogate or Scarborough just to get the care they need, I think the situation is intolerable and I'll be fighting for better provision for SEN children and their families in this constituency."

His says his other priorities include; tackling antisocial behaviour and rural crime, making the NHS fit for the future, protecting communities from flooding and sewage and delivering frequent, reliable public transport.

Hear the latest news from across the UK every hour, on Jazz FM on DAB, smartspeaker, and on the Rayo app