The Conservatives have triumphed in a former Liberal Democrat stronghold in tonight’s Beverley ward by-election.

Ex-policeman Terry Paton won the seat for the Conservatives with 1,033 votes, defeating Lib Dem candidate Lesley Heap by 272 votes.

Labour candidate Marian Freedman came third with 717 votes.

Speaking after the win, councillor Terry Paton, said: “I am honoured the people voted for me and trusted me. I am surprised by the amount that we won by – we are pleased by that.

“Thank you to everyone who came and voted. I will stick by my promises. I am delighted with the turnout.”

Your Local Guardian:

Councillor Paton is congratulated by Conservative leader Howard Jones and coun Julie Pickering

The turnout for the Beverley ward by-election was 42.17 per cent from an electorate of 6,992.

During the count leader of the Conservatives councillor Howard Jones said he was “quietly confident”.

The by-election was called following the resignation of former council leader Derek Osbourne, who was arrested on suspicion of possessing indecent images of children last month.

Kingston Council leader Liz Green said: “I’m disappointed obviously as I see the effect that case has – Derek Osbourne’s arrest and the matter of the suspicion.

“I think that’s the primary reason for us losing. Good luck to Terry. I hope he sticks by his promises.”

The last two elections in Beverley ward in 2006 and 2010 saw the Liberal Democrats comfortably hold all three available seats.

Councillor Paton will now join Liberal Democrats councillor Simon James and councillor Trevor Heap – Lesley Heap’s husband – in Beverley ward.

 

Breakdown of the votes

Conservatives: 1,033

Liberal Democrats: 760

Labour: 717

UKIP: 223

Green: 207