Labour have held on to Ashford's Beaver ward after a by-election was held yesterday (Thursday).

Candidate Jill Britcher (pictured left) kept the seat, which was made vacant following the resignation of former Labour ward member Rebecca Rutter on January 8.

Mrs Britcher kept the seat by a majority of 138 votes, receiving 296 votes, almost 37% of the total cast.

There was close competition for second and third place. Conservative candidate Jane Martin beat surprise Labour defector Angharad Yeo by a majority of two votes, each receiving around 20% of the total cast.

Palma Laughton, Ashford Independent, and Liberal Democrat Jack Cowen both received around 10% of the vote, with Independent candidate John Holland gaining 4% of total votes cast.

Turnout for the election was 19.4%.

For Mrs Britcher’s reaction to the win, see next week’s Kentish Express, out Thursday, March 7.