Oswestry Town Council has its first Liberal Democrat after a by-election victory on Thursday.
Liberal Democrat candidate James Owen took 233 votes in the Cambrian Ward, compared to Conservative candidate Mark Bamford on 98 and the former councillor Nikki Hughes for the Green Party, who picked up 85.
The Green Party had previously topped the poll and have both other councillors in the ward.
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Councillor Owen paid tribute to Lib Dem MP Helen Morgan, and thanked those who voted for him to replace Jess Michie, who resigned in August after becoming one of the youngest councillors in the country.
“I cannot thank enough the residents of Cambrian who put their faith in me,” he said.
“I’m born and bred in Oswestry and love this town to bits, so it means the world to me that I’ll get to represent residents and fight for local improvements on the Town Council.
“One thing that came up on the doorstep repeatedly was how impressed people were by Helen Morgan as their local Liberal Democrat MP, and the impact she has been having on issues like reconnecting Oswestry to the railway line.
“I really can’t wait to get stuck in and look forward to working with councillors from both parties currently on the council to make a positive difference for our town.”
Mrs Morgan praised Cllr Owen’s efforts in securing a seat for the Lib Dems in Oswestry.
She said: “James will make an incredibly hard-working councillor for Oswestry Cambrian, and his win is richly deserved.
“This really shows that the Liberal Democrats can win anywhere in Shropshire and are standing up for local people at every level.”
Deputy returning officer Devavid Evanson declared the results for Shropshire Council on Thursday.
Turnout at the by-election was low at just 20.41 per cent, with three ballot papers spoilt and one person voted for more than one candidate, out of 422 papers issued.
Cllr Owen will take his place at Oswestry Town Council at the next meeting to be held in mid-November.
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