Conservative candidate Alistair Hendry was last night declared the winner of Highbridge’s by-election to fill a vacant seat on the Town Council – with just two votes separating him and the Lib Dem candidate.
On a low turnout of just 10.71%, the by-election was won by Alistair Hendry (Conservatives) with 179 votes, while Laura Chalmers (Liberal Democrat) was second with 177 votes and Kate Pearce (Labour) was third with 149 votes.
The result means Burnham and Highbridge Town Council is now officially a ‘hung council’ with eight Lib Dems and eight Conservatives, alongside one Labour and one Independent.
Talking to Burnham-On-Sea.com after the election count in Bridgwater (pictured) last night, Alistair Hendry said: “It certainly was a close call because of the national political climate, but a win is a win – even if it’s by just two votes.”
“I am absolutely delighted to have won and look forward to serving Highbridge on the Town Council, furthering the work for the town I am doing in my Somerset Council role.”
Laura Chalmers gave her reaction: “I think the main issue here has been voter apathy – the turnout was really disappointing – but I’m still proud to have come so close to winning and wish Alistair well.”
Labour’s Kate Pearce added: “The turnout was very disappointing. I do congratulate Alistair.”
The by-election result was called after a recount due to the closeness of the totals. There were 303 postal votes. Also, four votes were spoiled.
The election was held to fill a vacant seat left after Cllr Andy Morgan stepped down for health reasons in September.
Before the by-election, Burnham and Highbridge Town Council had eight Lib Dems, seven Conservatives, one Labour, one Independent and one vacant seat.
Meanwhile, there was also more success for the Conservatives after the former mayor of Bridgwater, Cllr Diogo Rodrigues, gained a seat on Bridgwater Town Council after winning the Fairfax East Ward by-election.
A 12.41% turnout there saw Diogo Rodrigues (Conservative) receive 167 votes, Megan Boucher (Labour) 142, Antony Nickolls (Lib Dem) 74, and independent candidate Pele Barnes 47.
Diogo said on social media: “Fantastic result last night as we won two by-elections in the new Bridgwater Constituency. One gained from Labour and one gained from Liberals. The Conservatives are winning here.”
