Keith Girling: How we won Newark West: A victory for local Conservatives, community, and common sense

Cllr Keith Girling is a councillor for the Newark West Division on Nottinghamshire County Council.

Winning the Newark West by-election wasn’t just a personal victory—it was a powerful reminder that when Conservatives focus on local issues, community values, and delivering results on the ground, we can earn and keep the trust of voters, even in areas where the odds may seem stacked against us.

Newark West is home to a diverse population, including the largest council estate in Nottinghamshire. On paper, that should be fertile ground for parties like Reform, whose populist messaging often finds traction in working-class areas that feel forgotten. But in Newark West, we proved that hard work, deep-rooted community engagement, and a commitment to delivering real outcomes can cut through the noise of national politics and win hearts and minds.

Making it local

From the outset, our campaign focused squarely on local issues. We knew that national narratives would inevitably seep into the by-election, but we made a clear and conscious choice to talk to people about what matters to them day to day – on their street, in their community, and in their homes. I also posted several endorsement videos from real people who are recognised in the community.

People in Newark West aren’t asking for grand political theories – they want their roads repaired, their bins collected, safer streets, better services, and someone who will listen. And so that’s exactly where we placed our emphasis. Our message wasn’t complicated: local Conservatives have a strong track record of delivery, and I’ve spent years working for our community, not just in council chambers, but on the ground, with real people.

We talked about the excellent work the local Conservative-run council has done to deliver better services, attract investment, and improve infrastructure. But equally, we took time to remind people that politics is personal, and local elections should be too.

Campaigning as Keith Girling, not just a Conservative

I’ve always believed politics begins with personal relationships, and I made sure our campaign reflected that. This wasn’t about pushing a party line from Westminster. It was about me, Keith Girling, the local lad who has lived, worked, and fought for this community for decades.

My roots are here, and I made it clear that I’m not a career politician parachuted in to tick a box. People in Newark West know me for the work I’ve done with pensioners who are struggling with the cost of living. They know me for the time I’ve spent helping veterans get the recognition and support they deserve. They’ve seen me roll up my sleeves and get involved in projects supporting adults with learning difficulties, or working with local charities that fill the gaps when national systems fall short.

We weren’t selling a policy – we were sharing a story of service. And that resonated.

A campaign fuelled by volunteers and community spirit

What really kept the wheels turning was the incredible support from fellow Conservatives across the region. We had volunteers travel in from Leicestershire, Derbyshire, and Lincolnshire. Their belief in the campaign and the Conservative cause was humbling and vital.

I’ll never forget the day we had so many volunteers that we managed to deliver the entire patch 5,220 dwellings in just four and a half hours. That’s the kind of energy, organisation, and commitment that wins elections and it speaks to the strength of the Conservative family when we pull together.

There’s a real hunger across the party, especially among our grassroots campaigners, to get back to talking about what matters locally, and to show people that we’re not just politicians – we’re neighbours, workers, parents, volunteers, and public servants.

Fighting Reform with action, not arguments

As mentioned earlier, representing the largest council estate in Nottinghamshire meant we were always going to have to address the challenge of Reform’s appeal. Their message of anger, blame, and broad-stroke promises might work well on social media, but on the doorstep, people are more discerning.

They want to know what you’re actually doing, and that’s where we made the difference. We didn’t get drawn into abstract debates. We focused on delivery—on my record and the Conservative record locally.

I didn’t dismiss the frustrations some people feel about national issues. But I did show them that locally, we’re already acting. Whether that’s helping an elderly neighbour find the care they need, securing more funding for local services, or being the first call when something goes wrong—we’re here, and we’re accountable.

A model for local campaigning

Newark West is proof that even in challenging times, the Conservative Party can win by putting community first. It’s not always easy. It takes patience, honesty, and real graft. But people respond to authenticity, hard work, and results.

This victory belongs not just to me, but to the incredible team around me – the councillors, volunteers, supporters, and community members who shared the vision and made it real.

As Conservatives, we must return to our roots in localism, personal responsibility, and service. Newark West has shown that when we do, we win. And more importantly, we rebuild the kind of trust that politics so desperately needs right now.

We’ve still got a lot of work to do. But I’m ready, and so is the team. Thank you to everyone who stood beside me. Let’s keep going.

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