THE Newtown South by-election for a seat on Powys County Council has been won by the Conservatives.

An election was held after Neil Morrison, also a Conservative, stood down in September.

Newtown man Les Skilton standing for the Welsh Conservatives won the election with 134 votes.

Speaking after the counting of votes, he said: “As someone who has lived in the ward all my life, I’m delighted to have been elected. When it comes to taking decisions, I will put Newtown first, and I intend to be a strong voice at County Hall.”

Assembly Member Russell George said: “Les will be a strong County Councillor, he is well known and liked. I was pleased to support Les, and look forward to continuing to work with him. I pay tribute to the other candidates who I know worked very hard.”

Montgomeryshire’s prospective Conservative MP, Craig Williams added: “This is a terrific win for the Montgomeryshire Conservative team. Les will be a first class Councillor and champion for Newtown.

"He is a very welcome member of our local conservative action team and I look forward to working with him in delivering for the whole of Montgomeryshire.”

The results:

Les Skilton (Con) - 134

Kelly Healy (Lib Dem) - 110

Richard Edwards (Plaid) - 64

The turn-out was 25 per cent.