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A NEW Conservative councillor has been elected to represent Maldon.

Tony Shrimpton has won the race to represent the Maldon North ward as a Conservative councillor on Maldon District Council following the by-election held on Thursday August 7.

He received more than 40 per cent of the vote with a clear winning margin but less than 1,000 people actually voted - about one in four of those registered.

The former town mayor of Maldon, reverend and current Maldon town councillor was unable to attend the count but was told of his win when his election agent, Adrian Fluker, left a message on his answer phone.

Mr Fluker said: "He will be absolutely delighted with the result and will be a first class councillor. I have known him for some time and this is a great result for the Maldon district and the Conservative party."

Fellow town, district and Conservative councillor Stephen Savage said: "I think it is fantastic news. He is the fourth Maldon town councillor on the district council and will bring a few new bristles to the old brush."

Speaking before the election Mr Shrimpton had promised to support plans for a new hospital and was also keen to see more street lights on, especially in the winter.

Janet Carden, representing the Green party came second, with former district councillor Paul Rew third, BNP candidate Leonard Blain fourth and UKIP candidate Geoffrey Harris fifth.

The official turnout was just 834 votes or 26.5 per cent despite the ability for members of the public to vote by post.

Mr Fluker said: "I do not think this is a sign of voter apathy. The turnout was lower because we had to have the election in a definite time and a lot of people were away on holiday.

"75 per cent of postal votes were returned but it is disappointing they were not sent out quicker."

Returning Officer Steve Watson said: "It went very smoothly with no recounts and balanced entirely."

The by-election had been called following the surprise and unexplained resignation of Maldon District Council's chairman Brian Mead.

No candidates from either the Labour of the Liberal Democrat parties stood for election.

Leonard Blain - BNP - 107 votes.

Janet Carden - Green party - 200 votes.

Geoffrey Harris - UKIP (although no party mentioned on ballot forms) - 69 votes.

Paul Rew - Independent - 115.

Tony Shrimpton - Conservative - 339 votes.

12:32am Friday 8th August 2008

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