The Liberal Democrats have gained a seat on a town's council during a by-election following the sudden resignation of a Conservative council.

Maidstone's Lib Dems have gained the North Ward seat on the Borough Council left vacant by the sudden resignation former Conservative Councillor Michael Hemsley in October.

Cllr Rob Field’s return to the Town Hall on Thursday evening seals a Liberal Democrat clean sweep of all three seats in the ward.

Leader of the Council and Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Fran Wilson said: “The trust placed in Rob by the residents of North Ward is a vote of confidence in the Liberal Democrats philosophy of working all year round not just at election time.

“Rob’s victory proves once again communities who have experienced the effectiveness of Lib Dem representation stick with it.”

Newly elected Cllr Field added: “I would like to thank local people for their support and pledge to work tirelessly to tackle the many challenges facing North Maidstone.”

Cllr Field won with 719 while Conservative candidate Cheryl Taylor-Maggio received 363 votes. Labour’s Maureen Cleator had 270 votes and Derek Eagle, of the Green Party, received 47 votes.