Labour has won the by-election in Medway Council's River ward.

J

ohn Jones took the seat with 695 votes from Conservative Andrew Mackness, who polled 631 votes.

The turnout in yesterday's election was 25.7 per cent.

Mr Jones came second in a by-election in the ward two months ago which was won by Tory David Craggs. The rerun was necessary when Mr Craggs quit shortly afterwards when told he could not be a councillor and a Special Constable.

Mr Jones, chairman of Brompton Residents Association, joins Cllr Craig Mackinlay (Con) in River ward.

The Labour candidate John Jones was elected to the vacant seat. He will join current ward councillor Cllr Craig Mackinlay.

The votes cast for each candidate were as follows:

John Jones (Lab) 695

Andrew Mackness (Con) 631

Garry Harrison (Lib Dem) 92

Anthony Cook (UKIP) 42

Steven Keevil (Green) 36

Ron Sands (Eng Dem) 31