The Conservatives have won the Rainham by-election, with a majority of more than 1,000.

Jan Aldous emerged triumphant in Rainham Central ward yesterday with 1,448 votes.

UKIP’s Mark Mencattelli had the second most number of votes, at 389.

Cllr Aldous has lived in Rainham for 40 years and has been an active member of her community.

As well as being a member of the District Church Council of St Matthew’s Church in Wigmore, she is involved with a number of local charities.

A life-long Tory supporter, Cllr Aldous has been involved with the Conservative Association for some years.

Cllr Barry Kemp, fellow Rainham central ward councillor, said: “In the years I have known Jan, I am confident that she would be an excellent councillor and colleague and strongly represent the people of Rainham Central.”

The by-election was called following the death of Conservative councillor Mike-O’Brien.

The results:

Jan Aldous (Con) 1,448

Mark Mencattelli (Ukip) 389

Simon Allen (Lab) 320

Paul Chaplin (Lib Dem) 137

George Meegan (Green Party) 61

Mike Russell (English Democrats) 14

The turnout was 24%.

Rehman Chishti and Kelly Tolhurst, who are both councillors and MPS, took to Twitter to congratulate the new councillor.

Kelly Tolhusrt said: "Fantastic #RainhamCentral by-election result. Congratulations Cllr Jan Aldous. Brill win for Conservative team & my fab colleague."