Ex-independent candidate triumphs for Tories in Bradwell byelection

A candidate who stood and lost as an independent last May triumphed unopposed in a council by-election for the same ward after switching to Tories.

Christopher Furness was returned at Bradwell, Derbyshire Dales District, where he had missed victory by 66 votes in last year's main polls.

In the first contested by-election of the year, Labour defended a Cinderford West seat at Forest of Dean District, Gloucestershire.

RESULTS

Derbyshire Dales District - Bradwell: C unopposed. (May 2011 - C 430, Ind 364). C hold.

Forest of Dean District - Cinderford West: Lab 496, C 236, Ukip 119, Lib Dem 89. (May 2011 - Three seats Lab 823, 781, 683, C 310, Ind 297, C 278, 260, Lib Dem 213). Lab hold. Swing 1.5% Lab to C.

PA