Conservative Craig Morgan comprehensively defeated Lib Dem candidate Caroline Bennett in last Thursday's by-election in the Ross East Ward.

Craig received 646 votes to Caroline's 321, with an overall turnout of 27.1%.

Craig's victory means that the Lib Dems have lost overall control of Ross Town Council, which they held before Jo Lane's resignation, due to health reasons, in September. The Council is now made up of six Lib Dems, four Conservatives and two Independents.

Craig Morgan said: "I would like to thank everyone for their support and those who voted. I would also like to thank my family and my wife, Cath, who have all been very supportive during the election.

"I am excited and eager to get involved with the town and show what I can do. There was an excellent turn out at both Christmas events over the weekend and, over time, I hope to make those events even better by getting involved with the events and tourism aspect of Council work."

Craig went into the Town Council offices to sign his declaration on Tuesday and his first full council meeting will be next week, Monday December 9th.

Discussing his first pieces of Council business, Craig said: "I now want to get up to date with everything. I want to find out where and what I can get involved in, and I will try my very best to get it