29/07/2026
The Conservatives have gained a seat from the Liberal Democrats in a Marlow Town Council by-election.
David Drever was elected to represent the Marlow North and West ward after receiving 1,076 votes — 57 per cent of those cast.
Liberal Democrat candidate Catherine Johnson received 801 votes, giving Mr Drever a majority of 275.
The election was triggered by the resignation of former councillor Paul Burden, who stepped down from the town council earlier this year.
The official result showed 1,882 ballot papers were issued from an electorate of 6,878, producing a turnout of 27 per cent.
Five ballot papers were rejected, while 1,877 valid votes were counted.
Following the result, the Marlow Conservatives described it as a “resounding vote of confidence” in Mr Drever and the local Conservative team.
They said: “A massive thank you to the residents of Marlow North and West for the resounding vote of confidence placed in David Drever and the Conservative team.”
Joy Morrissey, Conservative MP for Beaconsfield, thanked residents who voted and said Mr Drever had earned a “strong mandate” to represent the ward.
She said: “A huge thank you to everyone who came out to vote and put their trust in David and the Marlow Conservative team.”
“David will be a fantastic town councillor, and I look forward to working with him to ensure Marlow continues to thrive.”
Residents for Marlow said Mr Burden had resigned for family reasons and confirmed it had decided not to field a candidate in the by-election.
In a statement before the vote, the group said it believed the Liberal Democrats had selected a “suitable local resident” and argued that contesting the election would have cost the town council additional money.
It added: “We urge everyone to vote in this election to allow us to remain focused on delivering our vision and strategy for the benefit of Marlow and its residents.”
✍Original copy by Nathaniel Lawson, Local Democracy Reporter
