Liberal Democrat Pendle Council leader David Whipp loses Earby and Coates seat to Reform UK
The leader of Pendle Borough Council, Liberal Democrat David Whipp, has lost his seat by a margin of just seven votes to the Reform candidate.
The veteran councillor, who is also a county councillor and Barnoldswick town councillor, was narrowly beaten by Reform UK’s Glenn Whittaker in the Earby and Coates ward.
An understandably disappointed Mr Whipp said: “It’s in the lap of the Gods. It is what it is. I’ve been involved in a lot of elections since 1980 and won more than I’ve lost but it’s obviously disappointing.
“I think it’s an important time for Pendle in terms of local government reorganisation and I wish I could contribute. The next few months are critical in terms of the culture of any new council.
“There is obviously a national tide at the moment but I do think there’s been a lot of knives in my back during this campaign.”
His victor, Reform UK’s Glenn Whittaker thanked all those people who had voted for him in the narrow contest.
The retired engineer, who also had his own gardening business, had previously served as an independent councillor from 2008 to 2012.
He said: “I feel very relieved, a lot of people were relying on me. I wasn’t happy with the present government and was getting very angry with Keir Starmer every time I saw him on television. I felt it was cheaper to join Reform than buy a new television.
“Locally, I think people obviously felt it was time for a change. I want to thank everybody who has supported me.”