Brighton and Hove Conservatives easily held on to their Patcham stronghold on the city council in a by-election caused by the death of Coun John Sheldon.

They polled more votes than all the other candidates put together in the contest.

Winning candidate Brian Pidgeon gained 1,352 votes. The defeated candidates were Elizabeth Stewart (Lab) 463, Trefor Hunter (Lib Dem) 336 and Elizabeth Wakefield (Green) 107.

Mr Pidgeon, who has lived in the area for more than 40 years, was favourite to win.

Tory opposition leader Brian Oxley said: "I heartily congratulate Brian Pidgeon on his outstanding achievement."