TORY Malcolm George edged out his Liberal Democrat rival Stephen Court by three votes in yesterday’s March Town Council by-election.
Cllr George secured 352 votes to secure victory in the March North ward, with Mr Court coming a close second with 349 votes.
Labour candidate Robert Williams finished a distant third with 182 votes.
Turnout was 15.9 per cent.
Cllr George said: “It was a very close election but we were aware that would be the case.
“I’m very pleased to be elected and I’m looking forward to working with other members of March Town Council and the people in the ward of March.
“I am going to take stock and listen to the queries, questions and points raised by the people of March North,”
Cllr George replaces outgoing councillor Tamsin Nichols, who resigned to pursue a career in the police force.
Fenland councillor Peter Tunley, who represents March North, said: “I congratulate Malcolm on being elected, but I feel the residents of March North Ward have sent us (Conservative councillors) a clear message.
“The residents are opposed to the core strategy and the proposed development that is being organised for March North, in particular in the Estover area.”
The core strategy, which includes plans for 450 homes in the March North area, was approved by the Tory-controlled Fenland District Council at its meeting last month.
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