The Liberal Democrats have taken a seat in the Leatherhead North District Council Ward byelection last night with the victory of Joe Crome.

The election, held following the resignation of Conservative councillor Santiago Mondejar, who left office for unknown personal reasons, saw a 30.1 percent turnout.

Crome won 862 votes of the 1522 cast, a 56 percent margin. Conservative candidate Tracy Lorraine Keeley came in second, with 340 votes, and UKIP candidate Simon Chambers in third with 157.

After Thursday’s election, the Liberal Democrats now hold 13 seats in Mole Valley District Council and Conservatives 22. Six seats are held by independents.

Results:

Joe Crome (Lib Dem) 862

Tracey Lorraine Keeley (Conservative) 340

Simon Chambers (UKIP) 157

Marc Patrick Green (Labour) 135

Vicki Elcoate (Green) 28