LABOUR has regained control of a council after holding a seat in a council by-election.
Bob Noyce was elected in the Southgate ward on Crawley Borough Council, giving Labour a slim majority.
He beat Conservative candidate and former Southgate councillor Jan Tarrant by 148 votes, with Green candidate Richard Kail gaining 144 votes.
Council leader Michael Jones heralded the result and said he was “absolutely thrilled to congratulate Bob Noyce as Crawley’s newest councillor”.
He said on Twitter: “Very pleased it’s been confirmed that Labour has retaken an overall majority. Thanks to all who made this a great result.”
The by-election was triggered after ill health led to Mike Pickett no longer being able to serve as a councillor.
Absolutely thrilled to congratulate Bob Noyce as @crawleybc's newest councillor!
— Michael Jones (@Michael4Sussex) June 9, 2022
The result in the Southgate by-election
LAB 938
CON 790
GRN 144
Very pleased it's been confirmed tonight that Labour has retaken an overall majority! Thanks to all who made this a great result! pic.twitter.com/hI9VJoBUfw
The council is now made up of 19 Labour councillors and 17 Conservatives.
Labour also gained a seat on the council from the Conservatives in May’s local elections, making them the largest party.
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