The Bradley Stoke Journal

Liberal Democrat Jon Williams was last night celebrating his return to Bradley Stoke Town Council after a narrow victory in the Meadowbank parish ward by-election.

Following a recount requested by the Conservative agent, the margin of victory was confirmed at just nine votes from the 458 cast.

Mr Williams was a member of the Town Council from 1992 to 2007, when he decided not to seek re-election. He served as Chair of the Council in 1996-98 and 2000-01. His by-election campaign centred on claims that the current Conservative-dominated Council has alienated sections of the local community, such as the Northavon Bowling Club and the Jubilee Youth Club and that the Council is “more interested in making a profit than providing local facilities.”

His message seems to have struck a chord with voters, although he says he is disappointed that the margin of victory was not larger, “given the positive feedback we have heard on the doorsteps.”

Asked if he thought he could be effective in influencing the direction of the Town Council, Mr Williams said he looked forward to bringing “independent thought and challenging ideas” to the table.

Full result of the Meadowbank by-election 2008:

• Paul Turner (Conservative) 223 votes
• Jon Williams (Liberal Democrat) 232 votes

A further three votes were rejected by the Returning Officer.

Tags: Bradley Stoke Town Council, election, Meadowbank By-election 2008

This entry was posted on Friday, October 3rd, 2008 at 6:50 am and is filed under Bradley Stoke Town Council. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.