Overview

• Yarm Independents captured all 11 seats in Thursday’s by-election, replacing Stockton Council’s interim appointees and restoring a full council.
• Turnout reached 2,247 ballots with more than 1,500 postal votes, marking a 32% participation rate.
• Stockton Council had appointed four temporary members under the Local Government Act 1972 after all previous councillors resigned in June.
• New councillors have pledged to rebuild community trust, safeguard local services and leverage their varied experience to improve governance.
• Council members will audit town finances and consider whether Yarm’s parochial functions should remain independent or transfer to Stockton Council.