LABOUR has held the Nunnery seat on Worcester City Council with the election of Coun Elaine Willmore.
The by-election was called following the death of former councillor Simon Cronin, who won the seat on May 4 this year with a majority of 330 but passed away shortly after.
Coun Willmore polled 1,048 votes, a majority of 530 from of former Mayor of Worcester Allah Ditta for the Conservatives on 518 votes, the Liberal Democrats Scott Butler on 102 votes and Independent David Carney on 88.
Turnout for the by-election was 26.48 per cent, down from the 32.28 per cent who voted in May’s local elections.
And Worcester Labour’s newest city councillor has dedicated her by-election victory to Mr Cronin.
“The result had my name on, but this campaign was a massive team effort. I had such wonderful support from the Worcester Labour Party family and from friends and neighbours who had never been activists before, but spent hours on the doorstep and walked miles delivering leaflets,” Coun Willmore said.
“My win was dedicated to our much loved and much missed friend Councillor Simon Cronin. I hope I do him, and the wonderful residents of Nunnery Ward, proud.
“To residents, I say I will be available. I will not just hear you, but listen to you, and I will do whatever I can to provide you with the help and support that you need,” she added.
Welcoming the NHS physiotherapist to the Labour group, party leader and former nurse Coun Lynn Denham said: “I am thrilled Elaine will be joining the Labour Group on Worcester City Council.
“She will be a huge asset to the council and to the residents of Nunnery Ward.
“It is no mean achievement to increase the majority which Simon Cronin achieved less than three months ago.
“I look forward to working with Elaine to deliver on our priorities for a fairer Worcester which works for everyone,” she added.
Labour remains the largest party on Worcester City Council with 13 members, with the Greens on 10 councillors, eight Conservative members and four Liberal Democrats.
All 35 councillors, including Coun Willmore, will be up for election next May when the City Council moves to full elections every four years.
