By GB News (Politics) | Created at 2026-10-06 23:06:44 | Updated at 2026-10-07 00:29:48
1 hour ago
Kemi Badenoch’s plan for Britain faces an early acid test as voters head to the polls this week.
The council by-election votes come hot on the heels of the Tory Party conference in Birmingham, where Mrs Badenoch set out her plan to turn Britain around.
Inspired by Margaret Thatcher, the Conservative leader christened her vision for Britain “The Right Way” and outlined it in a 100-page policy document.
“In 1976, the Conservative Party published The Right Approach, a book which described what was going wrong in our economy and the right approach to fix it,” she told attendees.
“We governed for 18 years after that because we started with the right foundations, and we are going to do the same again… That is the Conservative Party I am bringing back.
“When we win the next election, and we will, we are going to need to hit the ground running. We will need to be ready from day one,” Mrs Badenoch declared.
Her confident prediction will be tested as her party goes head-to-head with the likes of Labour and Reform UK across four by-elections on October 8.
Amber Valley — Kilburn, Denby, Holbrook & Horsley
Voters in four key counties are preparing to cast their vote this Thursday, with the Tories hoping to hold on to their seat.
The content was triggered following the resignation of Conservative councillor Julie Whitmore.
The Tories will hope to preserve their position as the second-largest party on the Labour-controlled council.
Five parties across the political spectrum are seeking an upset and aiming to sweep the four counties.
Conservative candidate Paul Moss is standing against Labour’s Andrew Michael Bayton, Reform UK’s Juliette Nicola Stevens, the Green Party’s Andrew Michael Bayton and Edward Hudson Oakenfull from Restore Britain.
Kemi Badenoch’s plan for Britain faces an early acid test as Britons go to the polls in four by-elections
PA
Newcastle-under-Lyme — Town
Meanwhile, Reform UK is seeking to hold on to its seat in Newcastle Town Ward after one of its councillors resigned. Councillor Christine Duffy stood down in August, setting up this week’s by-election.
Reform holds a commanding majority in the Newcastle-Under-Lyme council, with 27 seats to the Conservatives’ 15.
However, it could present a vote of confidence in a renewed Conservative Party if they made inroads into that majority.
Adam Griffiths will stand for Reform in the seat against Conservative Conna Douglas Eynon, Labour’s Andrew Fox-Hewitt, the Greens’ Mark Allan Jones and Morgan Inwood of the Lib Dems.
The Tory leader outlined her vision for the future at the Conservative Party conference
PA
Lambeth — Myatt's Fields
In London, Myatt Fields in Lambeth will be up for grabs on Thursday.
The seat became available after Labour councillor Annie Gallop's death.
Councillor Claire Holland, the Leader of the Labour Group at Lambeth Council, described her late colleague as: “A brilliant community representative and a very dear friend.
“Annie fought to make politics accessible to everyone and led by example to remove barriers to opportunity, and it is clear how cherished and loved she was through the tributes that are pouring in.”
Seven candidates are standing in the by-election, including Labour’s Molly Hartill.
Defending the council’s Green majority are Sonia Winifred, John Francis Hindson of the Conservatives, Mark McKee of Reform UK, and Christopher David French of the Lib Dems.
Yemi Awolola of the Christian People's Alliance and Anya Krycek of the Socialist Party of Great Britain are also running in the seat.
Mrs Badenoch predicted that her party would win the next General Election
Aberdeen City — Midstocket and Rosemount
North of the border, the Midstocket and Rosemount ward in Aberdeen City Council will be contested.
The vote was triggered after the death of beloved SNP Councillor Bill Cormie following his 19 years of service to the community.
His long-time colleague Kevin Stewart described the late councillor as “larger than life”.
“Bill put his heart and soul into representing the folk of Midstocket and Rosemount on Aberdeen City Council.”
The SNP have put forward Jeff Diack to defend the seat against seven other challengers.
Freddie John is standing for the Conservatives, John McLeod for Reform UK, Lauren Bird for the Green Party, Sandy Stephen for the Liberal Democrats, and Willie Young for Labour, with Kusum Singal and Simon McLean standing as independents.
