Labour has managed to hold on to the Coldharbour ward in Gravesend with a slim majority.

During voting at yesterday's European elections, Gravesham council also held a by-election.

Shane Mochrie-Cox was elected with a majority of 520 votes, beating second place UKIP hopeful Joshua Sarinder Duroch.

The turn out for the vote was just over 40% and there were five spoiled ballots.

The Conservatives received 289 votes, 22 went to Trade Unionists and Socialists Against Cuts, and the Liberal Democrats received 35.

The by-election was called after councillor Rosemary Leadley stood down.

She was an elected member for the Labour party since 1987, but stepped down on March 26 due to family and work commitments.

Councillor Leadley was leader for the Labour Party between 1996 and 2003.

In Maidstone: The Conservatives have lost overall control of Maidstone Borough Council after a surge by UKIP.