The Green Party has successfully defended its seat in North Acton following a by-election prompted by the resignation of their own councillor, Simon Anthony, just days after the local elections. The contest, which cost taxpayers an estimated £30,000, saw Green candidate Marijn van de Geer secure 804 votes, defeating Labour's former Chief Whip, Gareth Shaw, who received 642 votes.
By-election details and vote share changes
The by-election was held on June 25, 2026, in sweltering conditions described by Shaw as the hottest polling day on record. Van de Geer's vote share decreased by 2.8 per cent compared to the Greens' victory on May 7, but she still won by a margin of 162 votes. The full results were: Abdi Ahmed (Liberal Democrats) 523, Marijn van de Geer (Green Party) 804, Sally Gorman (Conservatives) 257, Jonathan Notley (Reform UK) 309, Gareth Shaw (Labour) 642, and Craig Smith (Ealing Community Independents) 129.
Labour's internal dynamics
Labour's Gareth Shaw had previously been a councillor in Walpole ward but was moved to South Acton for the local elections amid concerns his original ward would be lost. Ultimately, both wards were lost, and Shaw came fifth in May. In this by-election, he placed second but received a lower share of the vote (24.1 per cent) than Labour's fourth-placed candidate in May, Guneet Singh Malik, who had 29.9 per cent. Malik had been overlooked in favour of Shaw for the by-election.
New councillor's reaction
Van de Geer expressed her delight, saying: "I am thrilled to be the new councillor for North Acton. I am so grateful to everyone who voted for me, for their kindness on the doorstep (including offerings of cups of tea, cold water and ice lollies) and for everyone's patience while they were bombarded with leaflets and canvassers. There are a lot of challenges facing North Acton and I know I am going to have to work very hard. But with such an incredible local community behind me as well as the wonderful Ealing Greens, I know I am up to the task."
Labour's response
Shaw acknowledged the result was "disappointing" but congratulated van de Geer. He stated: "The by-election was fought in the fiercest temperatures over the last week, with the hottest polling day ever yesterday. I would like to thank everybody who voted and made their voice heard. I would also like to thank the council election staff for making it possible in these challenging conditions. While the result is disappointing personally, I know that North Acton ward remains in very good hands under the Labour-run council and ward councillors Blerina Hashani and Hodan Haili. I have lived and worked in the borough for over 20 years and represented residents for 12 years. Last night's result does not change my commitment to the community I love."
Background on van de Geer
Van de Geer has been a Green Party member for several years, having stood in Ealing council elections multiple times and served as the London Assembly candidate for Ealing and Hillingdon in 2021. A resident of Ealing for over 17 years, she describes herself as an active climate activist who cycles everywhere on her Dutch bike and fosters cats for a local animal rescue charity.
