TENBURY has a new district councillor after last week's elections.

John Willmott, who stood for the Conservatives, was elected along with Independent candidate Lesley Bruton.

Four years ago, Bridget Thomas and Conservative Tony Penn were returned unopposed. However, Mr Penn stood down from the council mid-term and was replaced by Ms Bruton following a by-election.

Ms Bruton, who is also the town clerk, claimed 684 votes, followed by Mr Willmott on 605. Other candidates who stood were David Owen (Conservatives) and Peter Jones (Green) who received 367 and 331 votes respectively. 

Following Boundary Commission changes, the number of councillors on Malvern Hills District Council was cut from 38 to 31. The number of wards was also cut from 22 to 18, but but the Tenbury ward remained unchanged with two councillors.

Overall, Malvern Hills District Council remained in no overall control.

The independents are still the biggest group on the council, with 14 in total including those listed as Malvern Hills Independents.

It was a good day for the Greens, who have gone from five councillors to seven.

Three Liberal Democrat candidates were successful, down from four, while the Conservatives were the day’s biggest losers, dropping from 12 seats on the council to seven.

Independent successes included Tom Wells, who was leader of the council up to the election.

He was elected to the Powick & The Hanleys ward alongside Kathy Wells.

Two Malvern Hills Independence candidates have taken the two seats for the Alfrick, Leigh and Rushwick ward.

Former district council leader Sarah Rouse and Peter Whatley, who has been portfolio holder for resources, were elected.