Name of newly elected Swanage Town councillor announced

Following a by-election, a new councillor has been appointed to Swanage Town Council in Dorset.

The person winning the most votes in the election which took place on Thursday 6th November 2025, was John Bishop who stood as a Local Conservative candidate.

Polling station at Catholic hall

Voting took place at the polling stations at the Catholic Church hall and at All Saints’ Church

Local Conservative gain

The by-election in the Swanage North ward, followed the resignation of Sarah Brookes who was previously an independent candidate.

John Bishop has been elected as a town councillor in the past, so is experienced at the job.

He is particularly engaged with ensuring the facilities at Swanage Town and Herston Football Club are upgraded including the building of a new sports centre.

As the vacancy was in the Swanage North ward, only residents living in the north of Swanage were able to vote in this election.

Swanage Town Hall

Swanage Town Hall in the High Street is a much admired historic building

Swanage Town Council – Swanage North ward results

  • John Michael Bishop / Local Conservatives / 416 votes – elected
  • Colin Richard Bright / Swanage Residents / 365 votes
  • Bryan Mark Taylor / Local Independent / 289 votes
  • Gemma Nancy Alison Simmons / Labour Party / 132 votes

There are 4,092 people who are registered to vote in the Swanage North ward.

At this election, 1,208 ballot papers were issued and there was a turnout of 29.52 percent.

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