THE CONSERVATIVES have held onto Norton in Bromsgrove District Council following yesterday’s by-election.
Mike Webb, who has previously represented the ward for eight years, took the seat with 219 votes, 33 more than Rory Shannon (Labour) who finished second.
The Conservatives’ share of the vote was 43.2 per cent and, although 16.6 per cent less than last time around, was still enough to get them over the finish line. Labour’s percentage (36.7) was up by 7.1 per cent on last time.
Adrian Smart (UKIP) finished third with 82 votes – 16.2 per cent of the vote – and Michelle Baker was fourth on 20 (3.9 per cent).
The by-election was held following the death of Coun Pete Lammas at the end of last year and it was Coun Lammas’ wife Kath who nominated Mr Webb for the candidacy.
The turn-out was 25.2 per cent.