MK Labour has held on to its seat in New Bradwell with Tracey Bailey winning with 582 more votes than Reform’s candidate.

Reform lost over 40% of their vote from May’s election.

The by-election was called after the sad passing of 28-year-old councillor and cabinet member Shanika Mahendran following a short illness.

Having lived in Milton Keynes for most of her life and worked at nearby Cranfield University before taking early retirement, Tracey Bailey brings substantial local knowledge and councillor experience to the role.

Tracey joins a strong Labour ward team with Cllr Stephen Brown.

Cllr Tracey Bailey, newly elected Councillor for New Bradwell, said:

“I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone in New Bradwell who voted Labour. Being elected to represent the people of New Bradwell is an honour and a privilege that I do not take lightly, and I know I have big shoes to fill.

“I look forward to working closely with the community to address local concerns and continue MK Labour’s work of delivering for New Bradwell.”

Cllr Lauren Townsend, Leader of the Labour Group on Milton Keynes City Council, said:

“I want to say a heartfelt thank you to all the residents of New Bradwell who came out to vote for Tracey. Shanika’s passing has left a hole in our group that will never be filled, but we know Tracey will carry on her legacy of hard work and dedication.

“Tracey brings proven commitment to the role, and I am delighted to have her back in our team and representing the New Bradwell ward, which I know she will work hard to deliver for.”

Chris Curtis MP for Milton Keynes North said:

“I’d like to extend a huge well done to Tracey Bailey for winning the New Bradwell by-election. I know Tracey will be a committed local councillor who will work extremely hard to support all her residents and I am looking forward to working closely with her.”

Less than an hour after the by-election result, newly elected Cllr Bailey headed to her first event within the community, a Macmillan coffee morning.