Votes have been cast and the results are in for the Elsenham and Henham by-election yesterday (February 16).

Two Residents for Uttlesford candidates, Petrina Lees and Garry LeCount, won the most votes and so are elected to the two Uttlesford District Council (UDC) seats that were vacant.

Out of 1330 votes cast, Petrina got 834 and Garry got 716 – 400 more then his closest rival.

The two nearest behind were the Liberal Democrat candidates, Sinaed Holland with 316 votes and Lori Flawn with 259.

Petrina said: “The support in the villages has been overwhelming and it is absolutely brilliant that residents have put their confidence back into local hands.

“People have trusted us with their vote and RfU with their community voice, we feel honoured to represent you.

She said they will work hard for the people of Elsenham and Henham, and cannot wait to get started.

Garry said: “I’d like to add my thanks and I can assure residents that we will get straight to work in our new council role.

“After speaking to people on the doorstep, it is clear is that the first task will be to find out exactly why Hellsenham is still on the UDC leadership’s agenda.”

It was a 44.37 per cent turn out.

Chair of RfU, Councillor John Lodge, said: “We are delighted that the people of Elsenham and Henham now have a strong voice at UDC.

“This was a vote for local residents standing up for their fellow residents. Petrina Lees and Garry LeCount already have a solid track record of supporting their villages.” He said it was the first time RfU have had councillors in this ward, and described the victory as a “landslide”.

Paul Allington got 8 votes and Karmel Stannard got 6, who were both candidates from The Green Party.

UKIP’s David Allum and Sharron Coker got 64 and 68, respectively.

Joe Rich and Alexis Beeching, who are Conservatives, collected 141 and 120 votes.

Labour’s candidates had a total of 67 votes between them – Elizabeth Todd got 39 and Carl Steward had 28.

A by-election was called for this ward after the January resignation of two Liberal Democrat district councillors, Elizabeth Parr and Rory Gleeson.