The Conservatives have retained the Whittlesey North seat on Cambridgeshire County Council after winning yesterday’s by-election.

The by-election was caused by the resignation of Martin Curtis who resigned, with immediate affect, in March saying he could no longer give the time necessary to fulfil the role properly.

The former county council leader served the division for 10 years.

The by-election was held yesterday, alongside the General Election and the Fenland District Council election, and has resulted in victory for Mr Curtis’ Conservative successor Chris Boden.

Cllr Boden polled 2,237 votes, almost twice as many as UKIP candidate Paul Edwards. Lib Dem candidate David Chapman polled 615 votes.

Cllr Boden, who has also won a seat on Fenland District Council today, for Bassenhally ward, said: “I am immensely grateful for the help I’ve had in my campaign over last few weeks. I am also very grateful to all those who voted for me.

“It’s a great honour (to get elected), something good to live up to and I’m looking forward to starting work as quickly as possible.”

RESULT:

Chris BODEN (Con) 2,237

David CHAPMAN (Lib Dem) 615

Paul EDWARDS (UKIP) 1,131

Spoilt papers: 88

Turnout: 65.5 per cent