Lib Dems won their first seat on March Town Council last night – eight months after missing out by three votes in a by election for the same ward in February.

Steve Court was celebrating today after securing a decisive victory in March North defeating his Tory rival Andrew Donnelly by 156 votes.

Turn out was 19.1 per cent in the election caused by the surprise resignation of Mike Shermer last month.

A third candidate, independent Ian Dickerson polled 161 votes.

It was a disappointing night for Mr Donnelly, a retired police officer, who lost his March West seat on the town council four years ago and which cost him the chance to become mayor.

He had been deputy mayor for the preceding year and had expected to become mayor soon after the election.

For Mr Court last night’s victory comes after several previous attempts to secure a council seat

He comes from a March railway family, and has lived in the town for 40 years. Stephen went to Hereward School, and now works as an engineering technician at Huntingdon Regional College. In his spare time he helps out with a local indoor football team.

He has been a campaigner for improved rail and bus connections, open spaces, and local community facilities.

Fellow councillor Jan French: “Well done all three candidates. There can only be one winner so congratulations Stephen. You will be made welcome at March Town Council.”

Former Lib Dem Parliamentary candidate Lorna Dupre said: “The poor residents of March North have had to go to the polls three times this year.

“A town council by-election in February (which we failed to gain by three votes); the county council elections in May (which we failed to gain by rather more); and now another town council by-election tonight, which we gained from the Conservatives with a majority of 156.”