Green Party's Marina Lademacher wins Queen's Park by-election
– 2 min read
The Green Party has claimed victory in Brighton & Hove City Council’s Queen’s Park by-election, held on Thursday, 18 September. Marina Lademacher won the seat with a lead of over 400 votes, defeating Labour’s Simon Charleton in what many considered a Labour stronghold.
Lademacher said: “I’ve spoken to so many residents during this campaign who have shared heartbreaking stories of neglect and abandonment at the hands of the Labour-run council and this disastrous government. I share their anger at overflowing bins, dirty streets, deeply unsafe social housing conditions and rents that just keep rising. I've lived those struggles as a renter myself, and I know the toll they take.
“As a councillor for Queen’s Park, I will continue to fight for people who are struggling and listen to those who have been neglected. Thank you to everyone who voted for me, and to those who didn’t.
"I am here for every resident and ready to serve our communities. Together we can and will build the fairer, greener, more equal Brighton and Hove we all deserve, with no one left behind.”
Lademacher secured 1,133 votes, while Charleton followed with 729. Reform UK’s John Shepherd came third with 237, followed by Rudi Dikty-Daudiyan of the Liberal Democrats (98), Conservative Sunny Choudhury (82), and Independent Adrian Hart (64).
Queen's Park (Brighton & Hove) Council By-Election Result:
— Election Maps UK (@ElectionMapsUK) September 19, 2025
🌍 GRN: 48.4% (+19.9)
🌹 LAB: 31.1% (-15.0)
➡️ RFM: 10.1% (New)
🔶 LDM: 4.2% (+1.7)
🌳 CON: 3.5% (-2.7)
🙋 Ind: 2.7% (New)
No BHI (-16.7) as previous.
Green GAIN from Labour.
Changes w/ 2024.
The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Labour councillor Tristram Burden, who stepped down due to a conflict of interest after taking a role with the Care Quality Commission.
Brighton by-election: A statement by Marina Lademacher (Green Party)
The candidate said: “The fight for LGBTQ+ rights is far from over. Labour has failed to deliver on promises and continues cuts that hit the most vulnerable. Only the Greens stand firm on taxing the rich, protecting protest, and defending the community in Brighton & Hove.”
Scene Editorial Team
Turnout stood at 33.28%, with 2,351 ballots cast from an electorate of 7,065.
Speaking to Scene Magazine earlier this month, Lademacher said: "The fight for LGBTQ+ rights is far from over. Labour has failed to deliver on promises and continues cuts that hit the most vulnerable. Only the Greens stand firm on taxing the rich, protecting protest, and defending the community in Brighton & Hove."
