Key Points
- Roger Pedley of Reform UK won the Kearsley ward seat with 1,564 votes, securing election on 7 May 2026.
- Tracey Wilkinson of Farnworth & Kearsley came second with 1,155 votes.
- George Butler of Labour & Co-Operative Party received 255 votes.
- Other candidates: Tony Brendon Sandy Peers (Green Party, 176 votes), Glenys Ratcliffe (Conservative, 103 votes), David Charles Tyas Cooper (Liberal Democrats, 49 votes), Jack Tebay (Advance UK, 71 votes).
- Reform UK gained the seat, reflecting a strong performance across Bolton where the party won multiple wards.
- Elections held on 7 May 2026 as part of the Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council by-election cycle under new boundaries.
- Official results published by Bolton Council on their website.
- Coverage by The Bolton News highlighted Kearsley's results alongside other wards like Farnworth North.
Kearsley (Bolton Today) May 8, 2026 - Roger Pedley of Reform UK has been elected as a councillor for Kearsley ward in the Bolton Council elections, securing 1,564 votes in a decisive victory on 7 May 2026. Tracey Wilkinson of Farnworth & Kearsley First polled a strong second place with 1,155 votes, while Labour & Co-Operative's George Butler managed only 255 votes. The result marks a gain for Reform UK in the ward, part of a broader surge for the party in Bolton's local elections where 20 seats were contested.
Who Won the Kearsley Ward in 2026?
Roger Pedley, standing for Reform UK, topped the poll with 1,564 votes and was duly elected, as confirmed in the official results released by Bolton Council. As reported on Bolton Council's local election results page, Pedley's victory came against seven other candidates in a low-turnout contest typical of local by-elections.
The full breakdown shows Pedley far ahead of his nearest rival, Tracey Wilkinson of Farnworth & Kearsley First, who received 1,155 votes. Labour & Co-Operative Party candidate George Butler finished third with 255 votes, according to the council's tabulated figures.
How Did Reform UK Perform Overall in Bolton?
Reform UK dominated the 2026 Bolton elections, winning nine of the 20 seats up for grabs, including Kearsley, as detailed in council results. Other Reform UK victories included Breightmet (Mike Tucker, 1,890 votes), Farnworth South (Julie Pattison, 1,220 votes), and Hulton (Derek Bullock, 1,939 votes).
As noted in coverage by The Bolton News, Reform UK's gains came at the expense of incumbents like Farnworth & Kearsley First in Kearsley.
Why Did Reform UK Win in Kearsley?
No direct statements from candidates appear in the official results, but the vote shift suggests voter preference for Reform UK's platform amid national trends. Tracey Wilkinson, the runner-up, had previously held seats for Farnworth & Kearsley First, including a 2021 win with 1,779 votes in a related contest.
Bolton Council's results page attributes the win solely to vote tallies, with Pedley elected without contestation beyond the ballot. Analysts may link it to Reform UK's broader success, capturing seats like Bradshaw (Sandra Harris, 1,712 votes, though Conservative held).
What Is the Background of Kearsley Ward?
Kearsley ward forms part of Bolton's Farnworth area, historically contested by local independents like Farnworth & Kearsley First (FKF). Past results show volatility: in 2022, Debbie Newall of O'Kearsley won with 1,099 votes over FKF's Peter Flitcroft (715).
The 2026 election followed boundary changes, with Labour defending seats but losing ground. Wikipedia notes Farnworth and Kearsley First held five seats pre-election but faced challenges.
Who Are the Key Candidates?
Roger Pedley, the victor, represents Reform UK and now joins councillors from wards like Little Lever (Derek Wunderley, 2,040 votes). Tracey Wilkinson of FKF, with 1,155 votes, remains a prominent local figure, having won prior elections such as 2021.
George Butler of Labour & Co-Operative garnered 255 votes, mirroring the party's struggles elsewhere, like Great Lever where they held with Mohammed Iqbal (1,918). Green Party's Tony Brendon Sandy Peers received 176, Conservatives' Glenys Ratcliffe 103, Liberal Democrats' David Charles Tyas Cooper 49, and Advance UK's Jack Tebay 71.
How Does This Fit into Bolton's 2026 Results?
Across Bolton, Reform UK led with nine seats, Greens took three (e.g., Halliwell's Baggy Khan, 1,752), and Conservatives four (e.g., Bromley Cross's Charlotte Anne Cadden, 1,794). Labour held some, like Farnworth North (Nadeem Ayub, 1,131), while independents like Horwich & Blackrod First won two.
As reported by Bolton Council, 20 wards saw contests on 7 May 2026, with full results online. The Bolton News provided ward-by-ward coverage, including Farnworth North, linking to comprehensive election stories.
What Happens Next for Kearsley Councillors?
Newly elected Roger Pedley will serve a three-year term, contributing to Bolton's 60-seat council. No immediate by-elections are noted, but council meetings will integrate the results.
Voters in Kearsley may see policy focus on local issues, given FKF's past emphasis on community concerns.
What Coverage Did the Media Provide?
The Bolton News announced Kearsley results via social media, directing to detailed articles like Farnworth North coverage. Their main elections page summarised full Bolton results.
Bolton Council's official page, published 7 May 2026, lists all wards without journalist bylines but serves as a primary source. Wikipedia previews noted candidates like Pedley and Wilkinson pre-election.