Catherine Louise TurnerIn a high-stake duel that narrowed into a classic two-horse race at the final turn, Councillor Mark Dobson has secured a historic victory for the Garforth & Swillington Independents, fending off a late charge from David Butterfield of Reform UK.
The result is more than a standard title defence; it marks a monumental milestone for the veteran frontrunner, who now enters his third decade of representing his community since first taken the reins in 2007. Proving he still has the pedigree to dominate the field, Dobson kept his head down as he crossed the winning line to maintain his party’s unbeatable streak in the local arena.
While Reform’s David Butterfield attempted to close the gap in the final furlong, he couldn’t overtake the established Garforth & Swillington Independents colours. Dobson was quick to share the winner’s enclosure with his loyal teammates: Suzanne McCormack, the environmental campaigner whose dedication has solidified the group’s ‘local first’ reputation, and Sarah Field, the founding ally who helped Dobson break the traditional party mold in 2017. Together they ensured the Garforth & Swillington winning post stays firmly in Independent hands, completing the trio that has turned this ward, which also includes Great Preston, into an unbeatable stronghold.
Yesterday, Dobson put out a statement on social media stating that “Whatever happens at the count today, can I thank you for the last 19 years. Again, thank you and best wishes”.
While Dobson was busy thanking his constitutes, those same voters were busy returning him to the Leeds City Council with a resounding landslide. The 5007 votes cast in his favour weren’t just a mark on a ballot – they were a collective “thank you” from Garforth & Swillington for nearly two decades of dedication.
Dobson stated today, “After a remarkable day, I’ve been absolutely inundated with goodwill messages which are genuinely appreciated. I will put something more substantial on over the weekend when the dust settles. But just to say, “thank you” to everybody who gave me your support for a further four years. It was never taken for granted and genuinely appreciated.”
As they look forward to their next lap, the team has pledged to maintain their “people over politics” approach. Their platform includes a continued fight against large-scale greenbelt housing developments, a push for better pothole repairs, and an end to council spending on “vanity projects” in favour of essential frontline services.
Having decisively seen off the Reform challenge in the final strides of the campaign, the Garforth & Swillington Independents have secured their mandate to lead the community into its next chapter.
AT THE FINISH LINE: Results
- Mark Dobson (Independent): 5007 votes (Elected)
- David Butterfield (Reform UK): 1582 votes
- David Nagle (Labour): 542 votes
- Alexander Bull: Green Party 433 votes
- Peter Bentley (Conservative): 362 votes
- Rebecca Phillips (Liberal Democrats): 92 votes
Contact the Winning Team:
The trio can be reached at the Civic Hall, Leeds, LS1 1UR or via email: Mark Dobson: mark.dobson@leeds.gov.uk Sarah Field: sarah.field@leeds.gov.uk Suzanne McCormack: suzanne.mccormack@leeds.gov.uk
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