THE results of yesterday's by-elections for a Unitary Councillor and a Town Councillor - both for Calne Chilvester & Abberd ward, have been announced.

Lib Dem, Robert MacNaughton emerged victorious from the election for a Unitary Councillor with 424 votes.

Conservative candidate, Taylor Clarke received 283 votes with Labour's Nicholas Maslen securing 172 votes and Green Party candidate, Hugh Pilcher-Clayton getting 58 votes. Turnout for voting was 24% with 947 votes cast.

Meanwhile, Liberal Democrats continued a successful evening with the results of the by-election for Calne Town Councillor with a solid victory for Jackie Beckett receiving 439 votes to Conservative, Taylor Clarke 238 and Independent candidate Andy Mitchell 262. Turnout for voting was 23.9%.

Robert MacNaughton who is also Calne Town  Mayor, said of he was 'delighted, bewildered and grateful' to have been elected Unitary Councillor. He added: "I was so well supported by a very competent crew of people during the campaign and I am very proud to have been elected to represent Chilvester & Abberd Ward and pleased to be on Wiltshire Council.

"I will do my best for the people in my Ward and will continue my work to improve the health of our rivers which continue to see a decline in quality of habitats and soil." 

Andy Mitchell took to social media this morning to thank voters. Andy said: "I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who supported me in the recent Calne by-election. Your support and encouragement has meant the world to me, and I am truly grateful for the trust you placed in me.

"While I am disappointed not to have been elected, I am incredibly proud to have received over a quarter of the votes cast. Calne’s newest councillor, Jackie Beckett, has a lot of work ahead of her and I wish her the best in her new role.
 
"Although this was not my time, I will continue to work hard to make a positive impact in our community, and I look forward to the opportunity to run again next year when all of the seats become available.
Thank you again for your support. It truly means the world to me."
 
 
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