Dan Harrison was last week returned as the new Reform County Councillor for Ashby.

The well-known local figure had caused controversy earlier this year when he switched from the Conservative Party to Reform UK.

That made him the only Reform councillor at Leicestershire County Council, ahead of last Friday's local election.

North West Leicestershire Conservatives said the only reason he had done it was because he had not been nominated as their candidate for the town.

But Cllr Harrison came through to win and re-take his place at County Hall in what was a huge series of gains for Reform UK.

The result was:

• Dan Harrison Reform UK 1457

• Damilola Ojuri Labour 864

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• Ray Morris Conservative 665

• Martin Cooper Liberal Democrats 416

• Drew Timms Green Party 306

Cllr Harrison received almost double the Conservative vote and polled around 600 more than Labour.

He posted on social media and said: "I am truly honoured to have been elected as your representative.

"This victory isn't just about a party — it's about people. It's about your voice being heard after years of being ignored. You've sent a clear message: we've had enough of waste, failure, and empty promises.

"I want to thank every single person who put their trust in me. Whether you voted for me or not, I promise to serve this community with integrity, honesty, and action.

"The hard work begins now — but together, we will fix Leicestershire."

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In a surprise result, Ashby-based Conservative councillor Nick Rushton lost out to Reform UK in the Valley ward.

The former leader of Leicestershire County Council has been in ill-health, but was still expected to retain his seat at County Hall.