Key Points:
- Labour retains Whalebone ward seat in Barking and Dagenham following by-election.
- By-election triggered by the death of serving councillor Glenda Paddle on November 13, 2024.
- Rubina Siddiqui elected as the new Labour councillor, securing 54.92% of the vote (625 votes).
- Angelica Olawepo (Conservative) finished second with 287 votes.
- Tope Olawoyin (Green Party) secured third place with 117 votes.
- Herbert Munangatire (Liberal Democrats) came fourth with 109 votes.
- The ward has an electorate of 9,275 people, with a voter turnout of 12.33%.
- Former councillor Glenda Paddle was a dedicated public servant, serving since 2018 and chairing the Overview and Scrutiny Committee since 2022.
- Council leader Dominic Twomey paid tribute to Glenda Paddle, highlighting her dedication to community service.
How Did Labour Retain the Whalebone Ward Seat in Barking and Dagenham?
BARKING AND DAGENHAM – Labour has successfully defended its Whalebone ward seat in Barking and Dagenham Council following a by-election on February 20, 2025. The by-election was triggered by the passing of Glenda Paddle, a dedicated councillor who had served since 2018.
Labour’s Rubina Siddiqui emerged victorious, securing 54.92% of the vote with 625 votes, ensuring the party maintains control of the seat.
What Were the By-Election Results?
The by-election saw a low voter turnout of 12.33%, with the following results:
- Rubina Siddiqui (Labour): 625 votes (54.92%)
- Angelica Olawepo (Conservative): 287 votes
- Tope Olawoyin (Green Party): 117 votes
- Herbert Munangatire (Liberal Democrats): 109 votes
Cllr Siddiqui will now join Andrew Achilleos and Mukhtar Yusuf as the Labour representatives for Whalebone ward.
Why Was the By-Election Held?
The by-election was held following the death of Councillor Glenda Paddle on November 13, 2024. Glenda had served the community since 2018 and was Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee from 2022 until her passing.
What Did Councillors Say About Glenda Paddle?
During a full council meeting in November 2024, colleagues paid tribute to Glenda Paddle for her unwavering commitment to public service.
Dominic Twomey, Leader of the Council, expressed his sorrow:
“The thing about Glenda is that she was recognised in everything she did because she did it to the utmost of her ability. She was selfless, that length of time of volunteering in the community with schools, supporting people through her union work and being that voice for people that didn’t have a voice and weren’t able to put things across is absolutely remarkable.”
Her passing was described as a “huge void” within the council and local community.
What Does This Mean for the Future of Whalebone Ward?
With Rubina Siddiqui now elected, Labour retains a strong presence in Whalebone ward. The focus will now shift to delivering on local issues and ensuring continuity in public services.
For further updates, follow local news channels and Barking and Dagenham Council announcements.
