Wilmslow Town Council no longer remains 100% Conservative following this week's by-election for a new councillor to represent the Dean Row Ward.
The Residents of Wilmslow (RoW) candidate Philip Enstone won the election on Thursday, 22nd August, with 58% of the vote - making him the first politically independent voice on the council amongst 14 Conservative members.
He received 663 votes compared with 485 received by the Conservative candidate Philip Barton. Turnout at the by-election was 23%.
Philip is married with a young daughter, has lived in Dean Row for a quite a few years and works for the NHS as Head of Estates and Facilities at the nationwide NHS Blood and Transplant Services.
He commented "I am obviously delighted not just for myself but for all those who have supported ROW. The fantastic effort by those individuals supporting a none political party and for the electors who have taken the time to vote."
Philip added "My objective is to carry on the work of Residents of Wilmslow in vigorously defending the town's Green Belt against any form of development; to hold back the development of the Adlington Road site previously designated as "safeguarded"; to develop brown field sites first; to clean up the town in general; to preserve the town centre's role and such assets as the Rectory Field, the library and leisure centre as the communities vital focal points.
"I believe the council should set a lead in looking at all ideas and thoughts on the future development of our town centre. He is committed to working with his fellow councillors for the betterment of all Wilmslow's residents.
"Residents of Wilmslow will continue to communicate to the electorate all aspects of their plans and policies throughout the year."
The vacancy for a town councillor arose following the resignation of Joanne Milnes who stepped down for personal reasons in June.
The Handforth Parish Council by-election, which also took place yesterday, for the Handforth West Ward was won by Conservative candidate Anthony Harrison.
Mr Harrison picked up 277 votes, which represented 43% of all votes cast and the turnout was 31%.
Toni Fox, Handforth Green Belt candidate received 169 votes, Independent Barry Cooke received 100 votes and Independent candidate Wendy Fogarty received 98 votes.
Comments
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Martin was a ‘doo-er’ hands on often seen in Wilmslow A/Edge and Knutsford. OK he wasn’t to every ones taste but he certainly made the point.......... He should have stood again....... RoW and elsewhere liked the fresh and often logical way he conducted business..... So leaving the minutiae of his politics to one side
The Value of an Independent who is in touch with locals is significant....... Congratulations... Philip Enstone.. and don’t get shot in a war zone !!!
Unfortunately, in Handforth the anti-Conservative vote was divided amongst 3 Independent candidates. All three received a total of 367 votes, allowing the Cons candidate to win with just 277 votes. (total Ward electorate of ~2087, turnout 30.85%)
Well done Cllr-elect Enstone. (RoW/Ind)
Phil's rout of the conservatives feels like that - a small beginning for Wilmslow. Remember 'no taxation without representation'