The recent run of electoral victories for Reform UK has come to an end.

In a by-election for a vacant seat in the St John’s Ward on Tunbridge Wells council on Thursday last week, the Reform UK candidate was beaten into second place by the Liberal Democrats - and by a substantial margin.

The results were:

Ukonu Obasi (Lib Dem) 629 (Elected)

Chris Hoare (Reform UK) 177

Kat Sergeant (Green) 160)

Kit Hawes-Webb (Tunbridge Wells Alliance) 105

David Sumner (Con) 90

Joe Dore (Independents for Tunbridge Wells) 20

Labour didn’t field a candidate. The turnout was 28.4%.

Cllr Obasi, who lectures in healthcare management, was previously the Lib Dem’s candidate at tlast year’s general election for the Gravesham constituency.

On that occasion, he had been less successful, coming bottom of the poll in a battle that was won by Labour’s Dr Lauren Sullivan.

Mr Obasi said: “I am honoured to be elected as a councillor for St John's Ward. I am looking forward to representing residents and working with my colleagues to improve the community.”

The Liberal Democrats hold an overall majority on Tunbridge Wells council with 22 seats.

The Conservatives are on eight, Labour on five, Tunbridge Wells Alliance on three, and Independents for Tunbridge Wells on one.

Last week, Reform UK doubled its presence on Thanet council after gaining its second seat following a comfortable by-election win.

With 781 ballots counted, Darren Oxborrow secured 44.6% of the vote (348 votes), with Conservative Kerry Boyd picking up 32% (250 votes) in a turnout of 21%.