EVESHAM South’s new district councillor has said ‘the hard work starts now’ following his by-election victory yesterday (Friday).
Conservative Matt Snape comfortably won the Wychavon District Council by-election after picking up 51.09 per cent of the vote.
The by-election was called following the resignation of Ken Barclay earlier this year.
Coun Snape’s nearest challenger was Liberal Democrat Julie Haines with 187 votes, followed by Green Party candidate Julie Tucker on 174 votes and independent candidate Emma Nishigaki on 154 votes.
Turnout was just 26.8 per cent, down from 61 per cent in 2015 when district council elections were held on the same day as the General Election.
There was also a by-election victory for the Conservatives in Droitwich South East.
The two victories for the party now means the Conservatives hold 40 of the 45 seats on Wychavon District Council – the Liberal Democrats hold five.
Speaking to the Observer, Coun Snape said: “I am delighted that the people of Evesham South have chosen me to be their new Councillor for Evesham South. I would like to thank everyone who voted for me and placed their faith in me.
“The hard work starts now and I intend to deliver on my central campaign promises.”
Full result:
Julie Haines (Lib Dem) 187
Emma Nishigaki (Independent) 154
Matt Snape (Con) 538 ELECTED
Julie Tucker (Green) 174
Meanwhile, in the Evesham Town Council Evesham South by-election, Gary Hale (Independent) and Julie Tucker (Green Party) were both elected.
The two vacancies on the Town Council became available after Ken Barclay and Charlier Homer both stood down.
