Greenlands by-election preview: A test for both Reform UK and Labour
PLUS: The latest on former MP for Blackpool South Scott Benton
Hello and welcome to The Blackpool Lead.
Reform UK’s progress, Labour’s troubles, any Conservative resurgence and the growing popularity of the Greens will all be put to the test at a by-election in Blackpool this week.
We’ve spoken to five of the six candidates to get their view on why they deserve your vote. One, unfortunately, did not respond despite our best efforts.
And, on a week where it was heavily rumoured Scott Benton had joined Reform UK, we’ll share with you what we’ve managed to dig up on that. Which means two stories in today’s issue rather than the usual one!
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Blackpool briefing
🍴 A Blackpool restaurant fighting to keep its conservatory after planners said it had to come down has seen its latest planning application thrown out. It comes as a bitter blow for the Eating Inn, on South Shore promenade, which has recently gathered much support from an online petition. Ben Sharrock, owner of the popular restaurant, had hoped his revised application would be accepted by town hall planners who had already refused a previous scheme for the venue.
🍎 Blackpool Council has outlined a number of key improvements made to its adult care service four months after inspectors rated it inadequate. A report compiled for the council’s Health and Wellbeing Board has outlined some key improvements so far. They include: the number of Requests for Support that have been open for more than five days has reduced by 63%; the number of assessments that have been open for more than 28 days has reduced by 14%, and the maximum time assessments have been open has reduced by 36%; the median number of days that reviews of care services are overdue has been reduced by 46%; the number of safeguarding enquiries that have been open for more than 60 days has reduced by 65% and the maximum time any safeguarding enquiry has been open has reduced by 63%.
🚄 Train operator Avanti West Coast has confirmed it is reducing its four daily weekday services to and from Blackpool to just two a day from next week. Among the services which will no longer be available will be two crucial direct trains between London and the resort. The move has been blasted by commuters but Avanti says the decision lies with the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) an independent, non-ministerial government department aimed at protecting rail users and regulating Network Rail.
Greenlands by-election preview: A test for both Reform UK and Labour
By Luke Beardsworth
A by-election will be held for a vacant seat at Blackpool Council this week after a resignation at the start of November.
Cllr Julie Jones had represented the Greenlands ward in Bispham since the local elections in 2023 but announced she was stepping down due to increasing demands from her family, and due to health matters.
She added that she felt it unfair that she continued in the role if she could not give it the attention and commitment that it deserves.
The election will be held on Thursday, 18 December and there are six candidates. All five major parties are represented, along with one independent.
We asked all six candidates the same three questions to give people living in Greenlands ward the best possible chance of making an informed vote on polling day.
Their answers are presented unedited, in alphabetical order as they appear on the polling card and if they did not respond, we have made that clear. In each instance, we made multiple attempts to contact the candidates in question.
Kevan Benfold, Lib Dems
Tell us about yourself…
I was born in Blackpool and have lived here all my life. I served an apprenticeship here in Blackpool as a TV and Radio service Engineer. I went on to work at BAE Systems working on Aircraft Manufacture, updates and fault finding for 34 years. I also acted as a Shop Steward for 25 years.
I have been an active member of the Scout Association for all my adult life. My duties included Campsite maintenance, Event Management and acted as the Stage Manager at the Blackpool Gang Show for many years. Sailing Coastal Skipper off Shore Yacht master. Radio Ham Call sign G1NQN.
I have been a member of CAMRA for many years. I have also acted as an unpaid Director of a Credit Union for many years.
I joined the Liberal Party in the mid 1980’s and I’m a founder member of the Liberal Democrats. I served as a Councillor on Blackpool Council during the 1990’s. I have worked on many Conferences and as a Parliamentary Candidate Assessor, Returning Officer and I’m a trained Election Agent for the Liberal Democrats.
Why are you standing?
To allow electors who wish to, the opportunity to vote Liberal Democrats.
Why should people vote for you?
These are challenging times for Local Democracy with Local Government reorganisation being forced on us by our Labour Government. We need sensible debate to get the best deal for Blackpool.
I would if elected also ask why so many derelict sites in Blackpool remain derelict for years. I’m also really concerned about the level of debt that our Labour Council has put Council Taxpayers into.
Jayden James Gaskin, Independent
Tell us about yourself...
Hi, my name is Jayden Gaskin, I’m 19 years old, I studied at Hodgson Academy in Poulton from 2018-2023 and Cardinal Newman College in Preston from, 2023-2025 leaving with 3 A-levels in Politics, History and Economics (ABC).
I am also a member of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets since 2019 and have achieved the highest rank as a Cadet Warrant Officer. I enjoy walking in the Lake District and love travelling.
Why are you standing?
I’m standing as an Independent because I want to lead on the peoples agenda rather then follow a parties whip. Politics has always interested me, and because of this passion I know that I will be effective at representing the views of Greenlands.
I have previously stood as an independent in Poulton-le-Fylde in May 2025 receiving 50 votes, because my tactics have changed and I have been out a lot more, I hope I earn the trust of many more people.
I strive for a Safer Blackpool, an Equal Blackpool, a Patriotic Blackpool and a Cleaner Blackpool. The only person for that is me.
Why should people vote for you?
People should vote for me because I’m going to bring in new ideas, new policies and a better future for Greenlands. I’m not tied to a party, this means I can bring a genuine voice for the community, and not follow the national agenda of mainstream parties.
I clearly know the local and neighbourhood issues, major and minor. I will provide clear transparency on everything I do for Greenlands.
Jonathan Morgan, Reform UK
The Blackpool Lead attempted to contact Jonathan Morgan through both the local branch and other local Reform UK leaders. We did not receive a response.
He has, however issued a statement on November 9 which is published below:
My name is Jonathan Morgan. I’ve lived in Greenlands ward for the past three years and in Blackpool for the past 20 years. I am also chairman of the Greenlands PACT group.
The wasteful spending of council taxpayers’ money has to stop—along with the ever-increasing council tax rises. As your Reform UK candidate, I’m committed to fighting for real change. By putting your trust in me and voting Reform UK, we can make Blackpool better for everyone.
Rick Scott, Conservatives
Tell us about yourself…
I’m Rick Scott, a local candidate previously and have previously represented the ward, as Councillor, serving up until 2023. I was born and educated here, and having lived in the Bispham area all my life and in Greenlands for the last 25 years consider myself “sandgrownun” through and through,
I’m already very engaged with the ward, and the town on a voluntary basis and have a good overview of the challenges we need to surmount and opportunities we can pick up and run with. I am Lead Governor at BVH, a Trustee of three local youth organisations and a Counselling charity. I am very much a people person.
Why are you standing?
I am standing because I believe in service to the community, enjoy helping people and problem solving. Luckily, I am retired, and I do understand just what it takes to be an effective councillor, and just what it involves in terms of the levels of personal commitment and time you need to be effective, so you won’t find me floundering or walking away.
I want to give people back a strong local voice, one that understands and can meet people’s expectations. Most importantly I understand the impact good Councillors can have on local issues and the limitations they have over national issues, which are very much taking over what is a locally based campaign.
Why should people vote for you?
In uncertain times such as now, especially as we are undergoing Local Government re-organisation, Greenlands needs a Councillor that can hit the ground running and get straight on with the job, supporting people in the community and with confidence in the council chamber. I have promised and delivered many projects when I served previously, and have some issues that I am already tackling and look forward to being able to deliver fully if I am elected.
I am honest and hard-working. I don’t make agreements or promises I can’t keep. I am approachable, available and responsive. I have a proven track record of service, I answer calls, I respond to emails, I meet with residents. I’m not a new kid on the block, not new to the area and not new to local politics. I am a safe pair of hands that will ensure Greenlands is at the forefront of everything I do and say and have always, and will always, put people before politics.
Hattie Tollerson, Labour
Tell us about yourself..
I’m Hattie Tollerson, a proud Blackpool resident, a veteran’s daughter, and someone who has spent my working life in public service. I grew up on military bases across the country, with my dad serving as an RAF Chaplain and my mum working as a primary school teacher. Losing my dad in service when I was 12 shaped my understanding of sacrifice and community, and my mum’s hard work to raise me and my sister taught me resilience..
Blackpool is the place I chose to call home, where I live with my partner, and there’s nowhere like it. The rich heritage and strong community spirit are why I’m so passionate about doing good for our area. This is a town on the up, and I want to play my part in helping it thrive.
Why are you standing?
I’m standing because service is in my blood and I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get stuck in for the people of Greenlands. Life feels hard for ordinary families right now and I want to help make it easier in any way I can.
I won’t be patronised about what pride in our town or country should look like. I grew up surrounded by people who lived those values every day. Supporting working families has always driven me because I know what it’s like to struggle and still keep going.
I’m determined to be an effective councillor who delivers for residents.
Why should people vote for you?
People should vote for me because I care deeply about this community and I will work hard to get things done. I’m not here to talk down our home or make unrealistic promises. I’m here to listen and to act.
I bring a fresh voice shaped by real experiences of hardship, service, and resilience. Too often others judge Blackpool by its headlines but I see its potential and its pride. I’ll get stuck in and fight for every resident, whether that means improving local services, supporting families, or championing local businesses and community organisations at the heart of our area.
If you want a councillor with energy, commitment and a genuine desire to do good for our community, I’m ready to serve.
Brenden John Wilkinson, Green Party
Tell us about yourself…
I am the operations manager for the Le Feast coffeeshop chain. We started life in a converted broom cupboard at Poulton-le-Fylde train station and now have shops at Blackpool North, Bolton and Rochdale. We also help to arrange safe rail travel for school trips and for ‘Friends’ groups to maintain our historic stations.
I moved to the UK in 2009 from South Africa, though with a Yorkshire granny and Scottish great-grandparents I had a very British upbringing. I fell in love with Blackpool and have just bought my first house here. It is now home.
I volunteer with local community groups and litter-pickers, am a huge cricket fan – I always watch Lancashire fixtures at Blackpool CC – and love to join the weekly park run at Stanley Park.
Why are you standing?
To make people’s lives better. Greenlands has bounced between Labour and Tory councillors for years, yet none of the residents I meet feel their lives and neighbourhoods are getting better. They want change.
Specifically, silence has been deafening about the development of the former Warbreck House DWP site, when we have a housing crisis and few modern amenities.
Nearly 70% of houses in the ward are merely average or below on energy efficiently: if we help people with the costs of upgrading it will lower your bills, make houses warmer and healthier – and cut carbon emissions.
We are also failing our young people. Anti-social behaviour is a blight but the most recent review of youth provision in Blackpool found numerous failings, with teenage girls especially neglected. The good news is that much of this can be easily put right.
Why should people vote for you?
Helping to build a start-up business teaches you one big lesson: how to get things done.
Blackpool is cursed by endless projects and schemes that are announced with great fanfare, then months later are quietly shelved or turn out to be more hype than substance.
Vote for me if you want a councillor who will listen and work with others when necessary, but will always fight for you. And I will be genuinely, strongly independent: unlike others, Green councillors don’t get told what to do by our national party. So I can and will work on the issues YOU care about.
There’s a lot of talking down of our town and it annoys me. I fell in love with Blackpool because its people are the warmest and most welcoming in Britain. You deserve better.
Let’s make hope normal again.
Scott Benton: Too controversial for Reform
By Luke Beardsworth
Scott Benton has no intention of joining Reform UK - and he’d not be allowed to stand for the party even if he did.
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