Conservatives in Eckington won an historic victory in a local council by-election last night.
Eckington resident, Jeremy Kenyon, won the council seat to become the first Conservative elected to Eckington Parish Council in many years.
Lee Rowley, Member of Parliament for North East Derbyshire, commented: “This is an amazing victory for Eckington.
"The result shows that people were ready for breath of fresh air at the Parish Council.
“I know Jeremy will hit the ground running as the new councillor and will work hard to tackle local issues, such as opposing all local fracking proposals and starting a new conversation on how we can regenerate the town centre.
“Thank you to all residents who turned out to vote and helped to make history.”
Newly elected Councillor, Jeremy Kenyon said: “I’d like to thank everyone who lent me their support in this important by-election. I want to say to Eckington residents: regardless of how you voted, I’m here to stand up for you and will always be happy to do what I can to help if you need me.
“The hard work very much starts now and I’m looking forward to working with local residents to help our great town to achieve its full potential.”
Cllr Alex Dale, Chairman of North Derbyshire Conservatives, commented: “Massive congratulations to Cllr Jeremy Kenyon. I know how hard he works for local residents in Eckington and he’ll bring a host of new ideas and talent to Eckington Parish Council.
“This is the fourth Parish council seat the Conservatives have taken from Labour in North East Derbyshire this year alone, after another historic victory at Killamarsh Parish Council earlier this year. I’m glad that local residents are seeing the great work that our local Conservative campaigners are achieving throughout the whole district.”
The Conservatives won 400 votes against 282 Labour votes in the Eckington Parish by-election, with only the two main parties standing. The turnout was 24.67%.
Pictured, from left to right: Lee Rowley MP, local campaigner Oscar Gomez-Reaney, Cllr Jeremy Kenyon, and Cllr Alex Dale, at the Eckington Parish Council by-election count on Thursday.