This ward in the Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham returns three councillors and had a population in 2018 of 13,385 – the third largest in the borough.
A digression but College Park and Old Oak to its north, although it is geographically bigger only has a population of 9,129 – the second smallest in the borough.
Earlier this year a long-serving (35 years) Labour councillor representing W&WC died and yesterday there was a by-election to choose his successor. There were four candidates: Constance Campbell (Conservative), Michael Illingworth (Liberal Democrats), Naranee Ruthra-Rajan (Green Party) and Frances Umeh (Labour Party).
“The ward is ranked the second most deprived area in Hammersmith and Fulham. The overall population is middle- aged and young, single and comparatively unskilled. A high proportion of residents work in relatively low paid jobs mainly in wholesale and retail trade, health and social work or accommodation and food sector.” (H & F website)
In 2018 the ward returned three Labour councillors on a turnout of 35.11%. The most successful Labour candidate garnered 2,493 votes The best Conservative candidate got 473 votes and the best the Liberal Democrat’s could do was a measly 242. It was a fine day yesterday and polling stations were open from 7.00 am until 10.00 pm; factors that may favour Labour. However, because it’s a by-election there may be a low level of awareness. The Conservatives have been putting in a lot of effort and it will be interesting to see if they will make any dent in Labour’s majority. I think not as voters will want to plump for Labour out of respect for the councillor who died. The council is poised to announce the result later today.
That’s what I wrote yesterday evening. In 2018 when there were borough-wide elections the result was announced at teatime on Friday but as it was a by-election yesterday the count was quick.
“Result of the by-election for 1 councillor in Wormholt and White City ward held on Thursday 23 September 2021.
The result was declared at 11.45pm on Thursday 23 September.
The total number of electorates eligible to vote was 9,266 and the turnout was 22.62%.
The candidate duly elected to serve as councillor for Wormholt and White City ward was:
- Frances Umeh (Labour)
| Candidate | Party | Number of votes |
|---|---|---|
| Constance Mary Campbell | Conservative Party Candidate | 431 |
| Michael Illingworth | Liberal Democrats | 86 |
| Naranee Ruthra-Rajan | Green Party | 110 |
| Frances Umeh | Labour Party | 1,462 |
The number of rejected ballot papers was: 7 ( voting for more than one candidate 3, void or unmarked 4).”
Is a low turnout an affirmation of the electorate’s confidence in the democratic process, or apathy about local politics, or confidence that a Labour candidate will always be returned?