Ex-journalist is new Powys county councillor

Graham Breeze, who already represents the Llanerchyddol Ward on Welshpool Town Council, won the vacant Welshpool seat caused by the death of Councillor Ann Holloway, polling almost as many votes as the Liberal and Conservative candidates put together.

The former journalist and newspaper editor polled 323 votes, with Liberal Democrat candidate Richard Church taking 212 and Conservative Ruth Canning picking up 126 votes in a 38 per cent turnout.

Councillor Breeze said he was delighted to have won the seat, after being encouraged by the late Councillor Holloway.

"Councillor Holloway encouraged me to stand for Welshpool Town Council and with her health failing persuaded me to stand for her seat on Powys County Council," said Councillor Breeze.

"I would like to thank everyone who voted for me and promise to do my best to return that faith by representing the Llanerchyddol Ward and the town of Welshpool to the best of my ability.

"Rival candidates received massive support from the big names in their parties but I think voters have sent a message to the politicians with this result."

Prior to the by-election, Councillor Breeze said the biggest issues residents were concerned about were decisions affecting the region's health service, talk of closing the household waste recycling centre, as well as other threatened services, and the town's controversial one-way system.

Meanwhile Labour, candidate Nicola Morris won the seat on Welshpool Town Council in the by-election caused by the death of Councillor Holloway.

Standing for the vacant seat on the Castle Ward she polled 100 votes with Independent Julie Ellis second with 56 votes, Liberal Democrat Folkert Ferdinand Veentra third with 30 votes and Independent Carol Robinson fourth with 13 votes. There was a turnout of just 18 per cent.