RECAP: Updates from Barton and Winton by election count

Voters in Barton and Winton are going to the polls today to elect a new city councillor. The by election follows the death of long serving councillor David Lancaster MBE earlier this year.

Live coverage is underway as Barton and Winton residents vote to elect a new councillor following the death of David Lancaster MBE.

This live blog will provide verified updates, including turnout information, key developments, and the final result once it is declared.

This concludes our live coverage of this evening. 

The councillor said he was “absolutely delighted” with the support received and described the result as a historic moment for Reform locally. He said he expected to be the party’s only representative for a short period but hoped others would join after upcoming elections.

He highlighted concerns in Barton and Winton including litter and potholes, saying basic services needed improvement. He also pointed to wider dissatisfaction with Labour, noting his own past membership and saying the party should reflect on its direction.

Thanking voters, he said their backing reflected a demand for change and pledged to work with the community during his one year term. He added that the enthusiasm within Reform had influenced his decision to join the party.

A bit of history on the new Reform Councillor, Michael James Felse.

He previously stood in a number of elections, including Salford’s 2012 mayoral race and contests in Doncaster and Dewsbury, but this marks his first electoral victory.

Felse is known locally for leading the 2011 Manchester Pride festival as his drag persona Ethol Mary.

During the campaign, he focused on council finances, investment in Salford Stadium and proposals to reduce council tax while supporting local services.

Results

Labour candidate and agents are in tears at the results.

Reform are looking exceptionally happy at the moment, if they were to get in they would be the first Councillor for Salford, the same would apply if the Green candidate would get in.

There are 6 candidates in the by-election this evening.

There is currently a recount happening. 

It is expected to take approximately 40-50 minutes based on the first count.

The count is now Complete. 

We are told that the result should be expected shortly. 

We are expecting the results within the hour.

The by-election is happening today following the death of Councillor David Lancaster, a councillor who contributed to the city for 60 years. 

The last comparable turnout for 2023 was 21.48% which is the most comparable turnout. 

The main count has now started.

It is expected that the main count will have results coming in around midnight. 

Total votes: 1941

17.82% turnout from the ward. 

Verification has now finished.

The first of the ballot boxes have now arrived.

Verification is about to begin.

There are 8 ballot boxes this evening.

The Polling stations have now closed, and candidates are waiting in the Civic Centre awaiting the ballot boxes.

Candidates

Polling stations opened across the Barton and Winton ward this morning as residents choose who will represent them on Salford City Council. The seat became vacant after Councillor David Lancaster MBE died in February 2026 following more than six decades of public service in the city.

We'll be bringing you live coverage throughout the evening and into the early hours of the morning where the new ward councillor will be announced.