A CANDIDATE for election to a County Durham council has told of his disappointment after missing out on a seat by just two votes.
After three recounts, Labour candidate Thomas Clark won the by-election for Derwentside District Council's Benfieldside ward with 469 votes, beating Liberal Democrat Keith English, who received 467.
There was also a strong showing for the Derwentside independent candidate Donald Armstrong-Love, who received 404 votes.
The Conservative Party candidate Peter Carr trailed in fourth place with 104 votes in the poll, which was held last Thursday.
Mr English said: "I am disappointed to have been so close, but I'm not downhearted. We are determined to bounce back next time and win."
The by-election was caused by the resignation of Councillor John Davies.
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