Liberal Democrats hold seat in Quays ward by-election

Liberal Democrats have held the Quays ward seat on Salford City Council, following Thursday’s by-election.

Successful candidate Paul Heilbron won with a majority of 219 to Labour’s Elizabeth McCoy.

He takes the seat after Alex Warren resigned in November, and becomes the only councillor of the party sitting on Salford Council.

Heilbron told SalfordNow it’s a great night for the party and the residents of Salford Quays, adding it was essential to hold the seat in the ward.

“It’s been a very long year for the local party and we were on the brink of being wiped out. It’s been a fantastic campaign from everyone involved.

“We’ve really come together as a team. It’s not just a victory for myself, it’s not a victory for the local party, it’s a victory for the Liberal Democrats.

“It’s been us as a party at its best, united around one candidate for all the right reasons, so I’m absolutely elated.”

In May 2022, Warren ended fifty years of unbroken Labour representation amongst Quays and earlier Docks ward – councillors when he was elected for the Liberal Democrats.

Warren supported the community initiative of Clean Up the Quays alongside a campaign for Late Night Trams, something that will carry on being supported by Cllr Heilbron.

As well as a new campaign to restore the River Irwell Towbath between the Quays & the city centre, aiming for it to be well maintained and looked after for all residents.

Full result:

• Turnout: 12.30%
• Total votes: 985
• Void votes: 8