A new Frinton and Walton town councillor has been elected following a by-election.

Voters in the in Kirby-le-Soken and Hamford ward went to the polls to elect a new councillor on Thursday, 28 November.

The vacant seat was won by Reform UK candidate Elizabeth Helen Chamberlain, who gained 281 votes.

Conservative Party candidate James Platt received 248 votes while Tendring First candidate Janet Bennell Brierley gained 77 votes and the Labour Party’s Chris Bee gained 41 votes.

Ian Davidson, Returning Officer, expressed his gratitude to the election staff, candidates, and those involved with the campaigns of the candidates, for ensuring a smooth election process.

He said: "I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the candidates for their participation and to the voters who braved the cold November weather to cast their ballots in the Kirby-le-Soken and Hamford ward.

"I also want to thank the elections team for their hard work and commitment.

“It is always a privilege to be able to provide our residents with their chance to have their say at the ballot box as part of the democratic process.”

Turnout at the by-election was 24.6%.

The results:

• Bee, Chris (Labour Party) 41

• Brierley, Janet Bennell (Tendring First) 77

• Chamberlain, Elizabeth Helen (ReformUK – Changing Politics for Good) 281 ELECTED

• Platt, James (Conservative Party Candidate) 248

The full election results can be found on the TDC website at tendringdc.gov.uk/departments/results-of-elections.

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