HAVING braved the elements, residents came out to show their support and voted in a new councillor.

Tony Capon has been elected as the new ward councillor for Kempshott, winning with more than 300 votes than his closest rival.

The seat was vacant following the death of former Basingstoke and Deane mayor Cllr Rita Burgess at the age of 74 in December 2017.

The results of the by-election were announced at the civic offices today (Friday, 2 March), where the 28-year-old – who will represent the Conservatives – beat his nearest rival Grant Donohoe, Labour, with 686 votes.

Cllr Capon said: "When going around on the campaign trail, a lot of the worries were surrounding the Manydown development. But after going door-to-door and speaking to residents and reassuring them of the Conservatives plan they seemed to be on board.

"However, Labour worked extremely hard so we knew it was going to be a tough campaign.

"I would like to believe that it is testament to the literature we produced as to why people braved the weather and came out and voted for me."

As part of Cllr Capon's campaign, he said he wishes to introduce a bypass through Manydown, coming out near the M3 at Junction 7, which he believes will help to control traffic levels at Five Ways, Pack Lane and Kempshott Lane.

As well as this he wants to work closely with his fellow ward councillors, Cllr Anne Court and Cllr Hayley Eachus, to deliver what is best for the residents of Kempshott.

Cllr Capon added: "I am local to the area and in my work I have seen first-hand what a vibrant community we have here in Kempshott.

"I believe I can bring a fresh perspective to the ward and come to issues with a different set of eyes and by working closely together can deliver what is best for Kempshott."

There was an electorate of 5,672 with a turnout of 20.57 per cent on March 1.