THE LIBERAL DEMOCRATS have won a by-election for the role of councillor in south Cumbria.

Andy Hull, the Liberal Democrat candidate, has been elected as a councillor for the Grange and Cartmel ward after winning the by-election held on May 2.

Cllr Hull received 2852 votes, Conservative candidate Alastair Hibbert got 691 votes and the Trade Union and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) candidate Martin-Powell-Davies received 151 votes.

Speaking after the declaration, Cllr Hull said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been elected as Councillor for the community I call home, I’m so grateful to everyone who put their faith in me. I can’t wait to get to work and get things done for local residents.”

In the by-election 3,964 valid votes were cast, which represents a turnout of 43.01 per cent. A total of 21 votes were rejected.

A by-election was called as the former councillor Peter Endsor stepped down in March due to family ill health.

Cllr Hull will join Councillor Sue Sanderson and Councillor Jenny Boak in representing the Grange and Cartmel ward at the council.

The result means that the ruling Liberal Democrat Party, led by Cllr Jonathan Brook, maintains their seven-seat majority at Westmorland and Furness Council with 36 out of a total of 65 seats.

The Labour Party with 15 seats, the Conservative Party with 11 seats and Independents with three seats make up the rest of the council’s numbers.