A veteran Labour councillor standing as an independent socialist has regained his seat in impressive style.

Tony Randerson, who resigned as a North Yorkshire councillor after quitting his 30 year Labour membership, won the Eastfield by-election with a big majority, receiving almost half the votes cast. Labour came 3rd, with a 57% swing against them and behind the Lib Dems.

Tony’s ward in Scarborough, scores high for deprivation and disadvantage. As councillor there for a decade, his reputation for battling on behalf of residents has made him a popular and trusted figure. He is widely recognised thanks to frequent street surgeries and his trademark white cap.

Standing as a socialist, Tony focused his by-election strategy on running a clean campaign that addressed environmental concerns and community issues.

A former regional officer of Unite, Tony sees Labour as having lost its way. He joined other socialists, environmentalists and trade unionists in North East Yorkshire to build a new democratic socialist party. The Social Justice Party is in the process of being registered as a party and is looking to link with other left of centre parties across the north and beyond.