New councillor elected in Telford & Wrekin Council by-election

Councillor Raj Mehta has been elected as the new member for the Horsehay and Lightmoor seat on Telford & Wrekin Council.

The vacancy arose after the death of Councillor Clive Mollett in October.

Councillor Mehta, a Labour member, will join existing ward member Councillor Jayne Greenaway.

He said: "It is a real honour to be elected and to now take my place in a Labour group which is on the side of Telford &Wrekin residents.

"I spoke to over 1,000 residents from Horsehay, Lightmoor and Lawley during the election and have listened to their concerns.

"I am now determined to make sure I try my best to resolve the issues they have, and to always be on their side."

Telford & Wrekin Council leader, Shaun Davies, said: "Raj will be an excellent Councillor and we will meet early next week to discuss how we tackle the issues that residents raised during the election.

"The major concern on almost every doorstep was the threat to A&E and the Women's and Children's Unit at the PRH and residents supported our actions to date, and our determination to not roll over in the battle to retail services.

"There are also other local issues which they know a pragmatic Labour Council will try its best to resolve despite still facing huge cuts from Conservative Central Government.

"I am delighted we have overall control but the pledge remains the same, we will continue to work hard with others across the political spectrum to solve the issues that face our borough."

There was a turnout of 17 per cent in the election.

Councillor Mehta won 358 votes, followed by Conservative candidate Robert Cadman with 292 votes and UKIP candidate Denis Allen with 124 votes.