The Wokingham Liberal Democrats have gained a seat from Conservatives in a recent by-election.

An election was held after a vacancy emerged for the Wescott East ward on Wokingham Town Council.

The seat was held by Danny Spencer who won a seat in the ward for the Conservatives in the whole town council elections in May.

However, shortly after Mr Spencer resigned from the council with a notice of a by-election being triggered on July 20.

The election has now been won by Liberal Democrat candidate Lou Timlin after a polling day yesterday (Thursday, August 24).

Here is the result in full:

Lou Timlin (Liberal Democrats):  355

James Pett (Conservatives): 248

Aaron Pearson (Labour): 179

The council is now made up of 16 Liberal Democrats, six Labour councillors, two Conservatives and councillor Sarah Gurney, the sole Independent representative for Evendons East.

Lou won with a majority of 107 votes.

Celebrating the result, she said: “I appreciate that it is peak summer holiday season, so I am grateful to everyone who took the time to vote today.

“I’m delighted to have this opportunity and I’m looking forward to serving our fabulous community. Inclusion is a key value for the Town Council, and I want to engage with local residents to hear their ideas as well as their concerns”.

Bracknell News: Louise Timlin, who has been elected as a Libaral Democrat representative for Wescott East ward on Wokingham Town Council. Credit: Wokingham Liberal Democrats Louise Timlin, who has been elected as a Libaral Democrat representative for Wescott East ward on Wokingham Town Council. Credit: Wokingham Liberal Democrats

Lou was previously a member of the Women’s Equality Party, leading its local branch for three years and standing for election for the Evendons ward on Wokingham Borough Council in 2019, 2021 and 2023.

She then joined the Liberal Democrat party in June.

Congratulating her, Maria Gee, the leader of Lib Dems on Wokingham Town Council and a representative for Wescott West ward said: “I’m delighted that Lou will be joining the Town Council. She is passionate about Wokingham and I know she will work hard for residents.

“Her skills and experience will add a valuable perspective to decision making in the council.

“All Wokingham Town councillors are dedicated volunteers, who are proud of their town. It takes a lot to put your head above the parapet and stand for election as a councillor.

My commiserations therefore go to the unsuccessful candidates in this by election, Aaron Pearson and James Pett.”

Councillor Clive Jones (Liberal Democrats, Hawkedon), the Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Wokingham added: “It was a very good result for us.

“Voters in Wokingham know that only the Lib Dems can beat the Conservatives – locally and at the general election – and we will deliver for the community at every level.”