Liberal Democrat Hannah Butler elected in Colgate & Rusper by-election

Horsham Liberal Democrats are proud to announce that Hannah Butler has been elected as the new Councillor for Colgate & Rusper ward on Horsham District Council.

Hannah gained the seat for the Liberal Democrats with 30.3% of the vote, with 453 votes of the 1494 ballots cast for Lib Dems on Thursday, 17 April 2025.

Hannah, who lives in Kilnwood Vale and currently serves as the Chair of the Kilnwood Vale Residents Association, campaigned to keep council tax low, tackle dangerous speeding and protect local green spaces.

Hannah Butler, Horsham District Councillor, commented:

“I am honoured to be elected as your new councillor, and want to thank everyone who voted on Thursday.

“I have always worked hard for our local area, and I always will. Whether you voted Lib Dem or not I look forward to representing all of my new Colgate & Rusper constituents at Horsham District Council.

“This ward is geographically large and diverse, encompassing both historical villages, and growing new communities, all within the beautiful West Sussex countryside.

“I’ll continue to champion the local concerns of all my residents not only at Horsham District, but also escalating issues to West Sussex County Council, local police, and our new MP as needed.”

Cllr Mark Baynham, Deputy Leader of Horsham District Council, added:

“This victory is a tribute not only to the hard work of the Lib Dem volunteers on Hannah’s campaign team but to the Council Plan put forward by the Liberal Democrat Administration at Horsham District Council.

“Our sound financial management of the Council, has allowed us not only to keep council tax the lowest in Sussex, but also to invest millions in enhancing facilities and services for residents, providing more housing and financial support for those most in need, reaching our net-zero goals and prioritising infrastructure improvements across the district.”

The by-election was closely fought, with the Conservatives in second falling to 27.2% of the vote, and the Greens with 25.1%. Reform came fourth and Labour fifth.

Since Horsham District’s founding in April 1974, residents of the current Colgate & Rusper ward had only been represented by Conservative Councillors until now.