Highwoods Colchester by-election won by Liberal Democrats

Simon Appleton beat Gary Braddy (Lab) and Paul Smith (Con) to the Highwoods seat as voters went to the polls on Thursday.

Mr Appleton secured 563 votes to Mr Braddy’s 447 and Mr Smith’s 418.

Colchester’s Lib Dem Parliamentary candidate Martin Goss said: “It is a great result for honest literature in Highwoods.

Elected - Simon Appleton scooped the Highwoods seat during the by-election (Image: Newsquest)

“It comes as a result of Alison Jay and Simon’s work as a team and the residents of Highwoods have recognised this.”

Voter turnout was 19.7 per cent, Colchester Council revealed.

The Lib Dems, who lead the council, remain the second largest party in Colchester with 16 seats. The Conservatives have 19.

The by-election was triggered after Labour councillor Catherine Bickersteth resigned in July as she moves away from Colchester.

She was just eight months into her role at the town hall having herself won a by-election in December last year.

Ms Bickersteth’s former ward colleagues Alison Jay (Lib Dem) and Jocelyn Law (Lab) remain in their roles.

Speaking previously, Colchester Council leader David King said: “I wish Catherine well but resignations make life more difficult for residents, especially when just a few months on from her election."