Conservative candidate Matthew Vallender has won the by-election in St Margaret & South Marston.

He will take his seat as a Swindon borough councillor, winning the by-election caused by the sudden death of sitting councillor Pam Adams just a few months after being defeated in his attempt in the ward in the May 4 elections.

Coun Vallender won by just 25 votes, getting 1143 compared to the Labour candidate Joseph Polson who received 1118.

He was congratulated by Swindon’s two Conservative MPs, both very pleased by a possible recovery for the Tories after a wounding defeat in May which saw Labour sweep into power.

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson said: “So proud of my buddy Matt Vallender who has just won the Stratton St Margaret & South Marston by-election - a gain from Labour! Worked his socks off to deliver our positive, Conservative message.”

Mr Tomlinson’s South Swindon counterpart Sir Robert Buckland added: “Hard work and a positive Conservative campaign has brought a well-deserved victory.”

Coun Vallender’s group leader Coun Gary Sumner said: “Congratulations on a well-conducted campaign on positive messages. Delighted for you and thanks to the team who helped. You’ll be a great ward councillor.”

The political make-up of Swindon Borough council now sees Labour with a majority of seven. They have 32 seats, the Conservatives 24 and the Liberal Democrats one.