> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Sean Massey wins Himley & Swindon by-election for the Conservatives
- URL: https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/sean-massey-wins-himley-swindon-by-election-for-the-conservatives/
- Published: 2026-07-22T07:17:26.000Z
- Updated: 2026-07-22T07:17:26.000Z
- Description: The Conservatives have retained the Himley & Swindon seat on South Staffordshire Council, while Labour held onto Manor Ward in Stafford in two local by-elections held on Thursday.
- Author: Will Barnish
- Tags: Politics

Voters went to the polls on Thursday 16th July to elect a new district councillor for Himley & Swindon, following the death of former South Staffordshire Council Leader Cllr Roger Lees.

The result saw Sean Massey(Conservatives) elected with 298 votes, ahead of Nigel Caine (Reform UK) on 187 and Richard Painter(Independent) on 129.

The full result was:

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/07/ChatGPT-Image-Jul-17--2026--10_38_41-PM.png)

A total of 690 ballot papers were issued from an electorate of 2,129, giving a turnout of 32.41%. No ballot papers were rejected.

The Staffordshire Signal previously spoke to candidates standing in the election as part of our 'Meet the Candidates' coverage. Responses were received before the publication deadline from Sean Massey (Conservatives), Denis Beaumont (Labour & Co-operative) and Bhanu Dhir (Green Party).

Elsewhere on the same day, voters in Manor Ward, Stafford, elected a new borough councillor following the death of Cllr Angela Loughran.

Labour and Co-operative candidate Aaron Thurstance was elected with 481 votes, ahead of Ray Barron (Reform UK) on 414, Freddie Crisp (Conservatives) on 237 and Joe Tunnicliffe (Green Party) on 197\. Turnout was 25.8%.

You can read our pre-election feature, [*Meet the Candidates: Himley & Swindon By-Election*](https://www.thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk/meet-the-candidates-himley-swindon-by-election/), to learn more about each candidate's priorities for the division.

### Join The Staffordshire Signal on WhatsApp

Never miss a single breaking update, local news story, community event, or deep dive. See everything happening in Staffordshire first, straight to your phone!

[ Get Instant Updates ](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb7ZsQULNSa5fg83uQ1y?ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk) 

Explore the heart of our countyUse the interactive map above to discover local landmarks, heritage sites, and community-vetted spots. Every interaction helps support **The Staffordshire Signal’s** mission to keep local news free and independent. 

#### Enjoyed this story? 

The Staffordshire Signal is a not-for-profit, community-funded publication. Every tip helps keep local journalism free, independent, and focused on the stories that matter across Staffordshire. 

Every contribution supports reporting, photography, and storytelling across the county. 

[![Support independent local journalism by selecting The Staffordshire Signal as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3b/48/3b482e3b-bd85-4cd0-bf5d-b4c28e10d60b/content/images/2026/04/google_preferred_source_badge_light_en.png)](https://google.com/preferences/source?q=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk&ref=thestaffordshiresignal.co.uk)

Support independent local journalism by selecting ****The Staffordshire Signal** as a ‘Preferred Source’ on Google. Help us stay front-and-centre in your news feed.