Reform UK have smashed through the doors of Peterborough City Council with a dramatic first-ever seat win — and the city’s political map may never look the same again. In a tense overnight declaration, Andrew O’Neil took the Fletton and Woodston ward with 565 votes, edging out the Green Party by just 36.
RYAN Coogan, Reform’s principal spokesperson for Cambridgeshire, was quick to celebrate online, declaring: “Well done Andrew and the People of Fletton and Woodston.
‘Common Sense is back on Peterborough City Council. A huge Win for the People of this great City.
Delighted to announce Reform UK win first seat on trouble stricken council.’”
And that wasn’t all.
Coogan doubled down with a rallying cry that Reform supporters will be repeating for months:
“The great people of Fletton and Woodston have spoken, The people’s army will deliver.”
Full by-election results: Fletton and Woodston
The numbers tell the story of a fractured vote — and a massive Reform breakthrough.
| Candidate | Party | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Andrew O’Neil | Reform UK | 565 |
| Ed Murphy | Green Party | 529 |
| Andrew Willey | Conservative | 419 |
| Harvey Woodhouse | Labour | 323 |
| Neil Walton | Liberal Democrat | 84 |
Rejected papers: 6
Turnout: Around 25%
Reform surge past Labour and Tories
This was no ordinary by-election.
Fletton and Woodston has long been one of Peterborough’s most marginal wards. In 2023, Labour’s Nick Thulbourn won by just 12 votes.
But Thursday night delivered something nobody in the traditional parties can ignore.
Reform surged past Labour and the Conservatives, planting their flag firmly inside the council chamber for the first time.
Coogan spelled out exactly what he expects from their new councillor:
“Cut the waste, scruitinise the vanity projects and be a strong voice for Common Sense.”
And in a line that will haunt the establishment parties:
“The people wanted Reform, and they voted for it. The people will now benefit from Reform in Fletton and Woodston.
Thank you.”
Independent voice points to “radical shift”
Independent city councillor Roger Antunes didn’t hold back either, calling the result a sign of something much bigger brewing in Peterborough politics.
“The results are out. Congratulations to Andrew O’Neil, our new Councillor..”
But he made clear this was about more than personalities:
“The results are clear about the need for a radical shift in policy and clearing the decades long regrettable legacy we have been burdened with is a priority.”
Antunes also listed recent controversial council decisions, including:
“Choose a £40m more costly LGR option…”
“Voting to cancel May’s elections…”
And:
“Selling the home of the Hindu temple with no regard for the value of the community.”
His closing line carried a sharp edge of expectation:
“Let us see what our latest Councillor has to contribute.”
Labour put on brave face after collapse
Perhaps the most jaw-dropping part of the night was Labour’s collapse to fourth place.
Candidate Harvey Woodhouse managed just 323 votes in a ward Labour held until now.
Council leader Dr Shabina Asad Qayyum praised her candidate’s efforts despite defeat:
“I’m really proud of the campaign that Harvey Woodhouse ran in the Fletton and Woodston By-election.”
She added: “We will continue to push ahead on the good work we are delivering on for our city and that will continue regardless.”
And in a gracious moment, she congratulated Reform’s winner:
“Congratulations to Candidate Andrew O’Neil on winning this election…”
But the sting was clear as she reflected on losing a seat once held by the late Nick Thulbourn:
“I’m sorry we didn’t keep this seat.”
Voting system row sparks aftermath
Former Lib Dem councillor Nick Sandford was quick to highlight the fractured vote that delivered Reform victory.
“Reform won with only 29% of the vote.”
And he issued a stark national warning: “This shows that our First Past the Post voting system is completely unsuitable when we have a five party political system.”
His prediction was blunt: “Reform could easily get a majority at the next general election on less than 30% of the vote.”
Reform are now inside the chamber
Turnout was only around 25%, but the political impact is huge.
Reform’s win doesn’t immediately change control of the hung council — but it adds another explosive layer of complexity to a chamber already split between Independents, Peterborough First, Greens, Lib Dems and Conservatives.
In Fletton and Woodston, the message from the ballot box is unmistakable.
Reform are no longer knocking at the door.
They are now inside the council chamber
