Businessman James Hockney defends Tory seat with significant boost in vote share

Cllr James Hockney — James Hockney is the new Tory councillor for Bush Hill Park ward

The opposition Conservatives have successfully defended their Bush Hill Park seat in a by-election prompted by the resignation of Jon Daniels.

Labour’s Bevin Betton had hopes of defeating Tory candidate James Hockney after coming 64 votes short of victory in the ward only six months ago – but on Thursday night lost by 712 votes.

The Tory vote share in the Bush Hill Park by-election was 52% (up 13%), compared to Labour’s 28% (down 9%).

Councillor Joanne Laban, leader of the Conservatives on Enfield Council, said: “It was a fantastic result for the Conservatives in Enfield. James will be great councillor and I am excited that he is going the Conservative team on Enfield. Thank you so much to everyone who helped on the campaign.”

James Hockney is a 40-year-old small business owner and amateur racing driver. He previously served as a councillor for South Cambridgeshire District Council, prior to moving with his family to Enfield. He said on Twitter: “Huge honour to be elected as the Bush Hill Park councillor – thank you to everyone who helped.”

Former Tory councillor Jon Daniels resigned in October after saying he was struggling to balance his work and family commitments. Bush Hill Park ward is now represented by two Conservative councillors rather than three, however, after Will Coleshill was suspended by the party for making racist comments at a council meeting in September. Cllr Coleshill is currently an independent member.

Council leader Nesil Caliskan said: “This by-election was triggered by the resignation of a Conservative councillor. The election result was not a gain for the Conservatives or a loss to Labour.

“Enfield Labour Party is of course disappointed because we fight for every vote and the view of every resident matters to us.”

Turnout for the by-election was 27.9%.

Full results for the Bush Hill Park by-election held on 22nd November 2018

Election Candidate	Party	Votes	%
James Andrew Hockney	The Conservative Party	1540	52.4%	Elected
Bevin Betton	Labour Party	828	28.2%	Not Elected
Robert John Wilson	Liberal Democrats	313	10.7%	Not Elected
Benjamin Charles Maydon	Green Party	127	4.3%	Not Elected
Tulip Hambleton	Women’s Equality Party	79	2.7%	Not Elected
Erol Ovayolu	Independent Member	50	1.7%	Not Elected

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