Joy as Labour wins its first seat on county’s council in 21 years
LABOUR has secured its first seat in over 20 years on Rutland’s council following a by-election in one of its wards.
Leah Toseland was elected to Rutland County Council following the by-election in the Oakham North West ward.
She won the seat with 293 votes, while her Conservative competitor, Daniel Bottomley, received
175 votes.
Traditionally a stronghold for the Tories, this victory makes her the first Labour Party councillor on the county council since 1999.
Key among her priorities is healthcare in her ward and she has promised to work with MP for Rutland and Melton, Alicia Kearns, on delivering a second GP service to Oakham.
She said: “It’s an honour to have been elected by the people of Oakham North West and I am excited to get stuck in on the council.”
Rutland and Melton Labour group said: “Congratulations Councillor Leah Toseland, elected Labour councillor for Oakham North West.
“A fantastic victory for a fantastic councillor. You will do us and Oakham proud!” Lord Willy
Bach, the former police and crime commissioner for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, also tweeted his congratulations to Ms Toseland.
He said: “Congratulations to Leah and Melton and Rutland Labour Party.
“A sensational result that represents the public’s distaste for Tory shenanigans over the last two days.
“Good luck Leah!”
The by-election was trigger by the resignation of Independent council member, Adam Lowe, so he could focus more on his role on Oakham Town Council.
Labour’s victory in these elections and the resignation of Conservative councillor Alan Walters the night of the election means the Conservatives no longer have control of the council, holding 13 of the 27 seats.