The Liberal Democrats held onto Bishops Castle in the Shropshire Council By-election, securing more than 70 per cent of the vote.

Winning candidate, Ruth Houghton, replaces party colleague, Jonny Keeley, in the role after the vote held on Thursday (September 12).

Ms Houghton polled 838 votes, with the Conservatives in second place with 229 and Labour in third with 107.

“When Councillor Jonny Keeley decided to step down owing to family pressures - full time work and three children – Ruth stepped into the breech and has worked tirelessly to win this election,” said Heather Kidd, neighbouring Liberal Democrat Cllr for Chirbury and Worthen. “ We now have a complete local team again covering the whole of south west Shropshire from Worthen to Bishops Castle and Bucknell. She will make a fantastic and committed new councillor.”