Liberal Democrat candidate Lizzie Marshall won the East Hampshire District Council by-election in Alton Amery ward last night with 55 per cent of the vote.

Cllr Marshall polled 407 votes, beating Richard Moore (Reform UK) with 189, and Brighton Gono (Conservative) with 145. The turnout was 36.45 per cent.

She retains the seat for the Liberal Democrats. The by-election was called following the resignation of former Liberal Democrat group leader Cllr Steve Hunt.

Cllr Marshall said: “I am honoured to have been elected to represent Alton Amery. Thank you to everyone who put their trust in me. I will work tirelessly for our community and be a strong local voice on the council.”

East Hampshire District Council’s current Liberal Democrat group leader Cllr Elaine Woodard added: “We’re thrilled to welcome Lizzie to the team. This landslide result shows residents in Alton Amery are choosing the Liberal Democrats to stand up for them and deliver real change locally.”