A NEW councillor has said she feels 'humbled' by the support she has received from the community.

Cllr Carolyn Wooldridge was voted as the new Labour representative for the Norden ward following a by-election held yesterday (October 25).

The by-election – the third this year – was held after former councillor George Hood decided to retire from the position.

As a result of the election, Cllr Wooldridge was today (October 26) announced as the new representative, receiving 925 votes – 637 more than Conservative representative Michael Archer.

Cllr Wooldridge said: “It feels fantastic that the community have faith in me to represent them and carry on the incredible work that George has done along with Paul (Harvey) and Laura (James).

“I have been so moved by all the kind words people have said, replacing George is some big shoes to fill, but I am so humbled that the community has voted for me.”

When asked why she felt the need to run as councillor, Cllr Wooldridge added: “I have worked in the area for a number of years and people who live in the Norden and Oakridge area are proud of where they live.

“There is a huge sense of community and to be a part of that is a real honour. Coming from Yorkshire this is the closest place to what I have experienced in terms of community pride.”

The Norden by-election comes after two by-elections in the Kempshott ward earlier this year.

The result means that the make-up of the council still remains the same, with 33 Conservative, 20 Labour, five Liberal Democrat and Cllr Ian Tilbury as the only independent councillor.

For the Norden election there was an electorate of 6,777 with a turnout on 20.04 per cent.

The Result:

Carolyn Wooldridge (Labour) – 925

Michael Archer (Conservative) - 288

Phil Heath (Independent) - 80

Zoe Rogers (Liberal Democrat) – 64