Naked Attraction's Connor Rouse wins Norfolk council seat

Connor Rouse took Holt from the Tories in the North Norfolk District Council by-election triggered by the resignation of Eric Vardy.

Mr Rouse starred on the controversial Channel Four series Naked Attraction in 2023.

Connor Rouse on Naked Attraction (Image: Channel 4) The 28-year-old care home housekeeper appeared on the dating show completely naked and made it to the final two, only to see his rival picked as the winner.

But it was a different story in the Holt by-election, with his 774 votes handing him a 238 majority over Conservative Alexander Savva's 536 votes.

Reform UK's Beverley Seaward got 441 votes, Green Simon Russell got 73 and Labour's Fiona Hayward garnered 27, with a turnout of 46.02pc.

Holt has two district councillors and Mr Rouse joins fellow Lib Dem Martin Batey on the council.

In the last election, in 2023, the Lib Dems finished first and fourth, but fourth placed Paul Welsh, with 381 votes, was 321 votes behind the elected Conservative Mr Vardy.

Connor Rouse (right) with North Norfolk Liberal Democrat MP Steffan Aquarone (Image: Connor Rouse)

Mr Rouse stuck to politics during the campaign and did not comment about his television appearance.

After his success, he said: "Thank you to everyone who came out to the polls yesterday to vote.

"As a local resident, I'm excited to take on the challenges that the town faces.

"My number one priority will be getting the much-needed new primary school built.

"I spoke to so many parents during the campaign who are crying out for the new school to built without further delay.

"I look forward to making a positive impact and working closely with residents to make sure we tackle the issues that matter most to them."

Mr Rouse's success means the political make-up at Liberal Democrat-controlled North Norfolk District Council is now Lib Dems 26, Conservatives 12 and two independents.

In the only other district by-election, Reform UK swelled their ranks at Breckland District Council.

Michael Westman won the Thetford Priory ward from Labour.

Michael Westman, Reform UK Breckland district councillor for Thetford Priory (Image: Breckland Council)

The ward was up for grabs because Labour's Terry Jermy had resigned to focus on this role as South West Norfolk MP.

With 449 votes, Mr Westman was 157 ahead of Labour's Doug Jefferson, who received 292.

Conservative Jane James, a Norfolk County Council cabinet member, got 166. Green Timothy Soar got 46 and Ian Minto, for the Liberal Democrats, got 38.

There was a turnout of 19.26pc.

The political make-up at Conservative-controlled Breckland Council is now Conservatives 29, Labour 11, Independent/Green five, Reform UK three and one independent.