Ex-Parish Clerk and former District Councillor, John Whittock, has re-

entered local politics, beating the Peasedown 1st/Lib-Dem electoral machine decisively into second place. Labour's Jordan Ness increased Labour's share of the vote dramatically too. Almost 800 people voted, representing a 16% turnout, a highish percentage for a Parish Council by-election. The count, which was completed by 11 p.m., was overseen by B&NES' Returning Officer, and Council Solicitor, Vernon Hichman. The results were:

MCCAFFERTY, REBECCA (Known as Becci), Peasedown 1st: 215 27%

NESS, JORDAN ROBERT (Known as Jordan) The Labour and Co-operative Party Candidate: 198 25%

WHITTOCK, MICHAEL JOHN (E) (Known as John), Retired Parish Clerk: 377 47%

Spoilt votes 4

John Whittock commented: "This vote proves the Peasedown 1st-dominated Parish Council is out of touch with its electors. The existing Council refused to co-opt me, but the voters have put me on the Council.

"There will shortly be another by-election (in April) to replace three more Councillors who have stood down and there is still a single vacancy which could be filled by co-option. The new Councillors could end Peasedown 1st's domination of the Parish Council."

Labour's recovery is quite dramatic. Their share of the vote at the last full Council elections was very low, but it has now increased significantly and may mean that the Lib-Dem's domination of Peasedown is coming to an end.

Becci MacCafferty commented: "I'd like to say thank you to everyone who voted for me in yesterday's by-election. I'm especially pleased that almost 800 people voted, which shows that people care about what happens at a local level in Peasedown St John.

"When Peasedown 1st was set up almost three years ago, it was so with the view to strengthen and encourage democracy. Our activity in the by-election campaign continued to reinforce this belief.

"I am pleased with securing 27% of the vote – not bad for a first-timer. Despite not being elected to the Parish Council, I will still be working with others in the community to put Peasedown first. Our village is a fantastic place to live, I am so proud to be a part of it."