A CLEAN sweep of victories have been clinched by the Conservatives in a string of Stockton by-elections.
Five empty seats saw campaigns fought in Yarm, Hartburn, Billingham West, Bishopsgarth and Elm Tree, and the Western Parishes on May 6.
And it was the Tories who boosted their numbers on the council from 11 to 16 – gaining two seats held by the Liberal Democrats and an independent.
Niall Innes claimed almost three-quarters of the vote defending the Hartburn ward seat previously held by Stockton South MP Matt Vickers.
Cllr Innes said he was “speechless” at the result and “delighted and honoured” to be elected.