“THIS one’s for you Nigel” was the words shouted out as Cllr Stephanie Grant was announced as the new councillor for Buckskin.

The Labour representative takes over as the ward councillor following the passing of former councillor Nigel Pierce last month.

On an emotionally charged night following Mr Pierce’s funeral, Buckskin was one of the seats Labour were fighting hard to retain.

Cllr Grant said: “He is a hard act to follow as he did a lot for the people in Buckskin and being an advocate for the homeless in the borough.

“With the support of my Labour colleagues I hope to carry on his legacy.”

Elsewhere, a Conservative representative holds a seat in Whitchurch for the first time since the 1970s.

Cllr Dave George took the seat from retiring Liberal Democrat councillor Keith Watts.

Cllr George said: “Keith was a man who worked extremely hard for the town and I now look to continue his good work.

“I was part of the Neighbourhood Plan steering group and I aim to make sure that it is carried out for the residents.”

Winklebury became an all red ward with the election of Cllr Ruth Cooper who beat outgoing Conservative representative Laura Edwards by 28 votes.

She said: “I am in a bit of shock to be honest but now along with Angie (Cllr Freeman) we can make sure that Winklebury is no longer forgotten.”

One of the most tightly contested seats in this year’s local elections was the Brighton Hill North ward with just 12 votes separating Liberal Democrat representative Andy Konieczko and the retaining Labour councillor Mark Taylor.

Mr Konieczko said: ““It was a good fight to the end. We are very proud of what we achieved – we were third here last time and came within so few votes of winning.”