A NEW councillor has been elected in Richmond East for Richmondshire District Council.

Louise Dickens, a freelance hairdresser and mum to two daughters, aged five and seven, who attend Richmond C of E School, topped the polls with 307 votes and joins as a Conservative councillor.

Ms Dickens, 28, said: “I’m not a very political person and I realise that’s the same for many people; I just want to fight for the best outcomes for ordinary working people in Richmond.”

She beat Lorraine Hilary Hodgson, Richmondshire Independents, who polled 289 votes; Philip Michael Knowles for Liberal Democrats, who gained 136 votes; and Tina McKay for Labour who gained 41 votes. There was a 37.15 per cent turnout.

The election was prompted by the resignation of Karen Kirby, who was forced to stand down due to ill-health.

Rishi Sunak, MP for Richmond, said: “I am delighted for Louise. She was a young, energetic candidate who worked incredibly hard in the campaign. I look forward to working with her.”