On Thursday 18th March 2026, there was a by-election to fill a vacancy on Rushden Town Council. (The vacancy was caused by the tragic death of Cllr. Bob Tillyer.)
The campaign was fought on a number of issues, but eventually a pledge to fight to retain Free Parking emerged as the dominant issue.
Reform-led North Northants Council has made it clear that they are considering charging for parking in Rushden’s public car parks. The Conservatives want to retain free parking in the Town. They argued that charging for parking would damage the vitality of the Town’s High Street.
The Count took place on Friday 20th March 2026, and the result was:
Tris Anley Reform UK 592
Cameron Clarke Conservative 701 (elected)
Caroline Whiley Green Party 463
The turnout was 22.9%, which was above average for a town council by-election. (On the same day, the Kingswood by-election in Corby had a turnout of 14.2%.)
Neither Labour nor the LibDems stood in the Rushden South election. This was surprising, as Labour won a by-election for the Donne Close Ward on Rushden Town Council, just a few months ago.
Cameron has lived locally all his life and is a graduate of Northampton University.
He served on Rushden Town Council from 2021-2025, before losing his seat to a Reform councillor. He has now returned to RTC.
When the result was disclosed, Cameron was so moved that he was near to tears. You can see in the accompanying photo how deeply affected he was.
Cameron said: “This victory belongs to Rushden and its people, and I’m glad to be returning to the best job in the world.”
