A 47-year-old mother of two from Elworth has become Sandbach's latest person to become a Sandbach town councillor.

Helen Merrick (Independent) was last night (Thursday) told she had polled the most votes in yesterday's Elworth by-election.

Another by-election was held in August but yesterday's election was due to an 'administrative error' which meant Colin Storey (Labour) who polled the most votes then, couldn't actually take up his position as relevant paperwork hadn't been signed.

Five candidates stood in yesterday's bye-election - Richard Hovey, Independent,Jason Knight, Local Conservatives, Helen Merrick, Independent, Colin Storey, Labour Party and Will Taylor, Reform UK.

Helen Merrick, polled the most votes, 193 to take the seat in an election which saw a 13.68 per cent turnout. She polled 8.5 per cent more than the next candidate, Will Taylor who polled 178.

Helen said: "I'm excited to have won. I intend to hold the council to account and ensure that we get the best for the town and Elworth."

Helen who works in learning disabilities and autism, is also involved with a parent carer forum and lives in Elworth.

Colin Storey, who polled 165 votes said he was disappointed but would continue his work

"I will continue to work locally to make Sandbach an even better place to live. My speedwatch group is going well and we have several residents come forward to volunteer across two sites in Elworth already.

"I will be continuing it and if anyone would like to join me, contact me at [email protected]."

The seat became available following the resignation of Kathryn Flavell who moved out of the area to be nearer family in Scotland earlier in the year as we revealed here.

Sandbach Town Council is made up of 20 councillors across four wards - Town Ward, Sandbach Heath and East Ward, Ettiley Heath and Wheelock Ward and Elworth Ward.  

Councillors are elected by public vote every four years. Any vacancies occurring outside of the four yearly election may be filled by co-option or a by-election. 

Would you like to know more about Sandbach?

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Sandbach Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.

Please consider following Sandbach Nub News on Facebook  or Twitter

We also have a weekly newsletter with the TOP FIVE stories of the week - sign up here