Labour’s new councillor is ‘blown away’ after winning last night’s Town Council by-election following a huge swing from the Conservatives. 

Guy Gillbe is the new Old Bracknell councillor for Bracknell Town after beating Dee Hamilton to the seat, filling the vacancy left by the resignation of his predecessor Malcolm Tullett. 

The contest saw a 17 per cent swing from Conservatives to Labour, as the party swept up votes from the Liberal Democrats who didn’t field a candidate. 

Cllr Gillbe thanked his opponent for fighting a “clean and positive” campaign, adding he was “blown away” by the support he had received by the community. 

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“To be elected is the highest honour, and I realise the real hard work only starts now.  I promised to be an active and visible councillor and I will make good on that, vindicating the trust my constituents have put in Labour,” he added. 

If a swing this size was replicated in next year’s local elections, Labour would make huge gains in the borough, however, the vote saw a low turnout from residents of just 20 per cent. 

Labour Town Councillor for Great Hollands North, Mary Temperton, said the result shows people are “putting faith” in Labour’s vision following a “hard fought” campaign. 

“I know Guy will hit the ground running and serve as a champion for the interests of Easthampstead,” she added.