Vanessa Ricketts won by almost 500 votes over her nearest challenger - Conservative former councillor Lisle Smith. She said she was totally overwhelmed by the result and that it was testament to the legacy of Colin Bungey, whose death left the seat empty, and his efforts to support the ward s residents. Cllr Bungey died in April having been an independent councillor in Christchurch since 1983. But the pandemic has meant the by-election for his replacement could not take place until Thursday. Vote counting took place on Friday. Cllr Ricketts, a former council clerk, secured 1,310 votes, just under 500 more than Conservative candidate Lisle Smith.
Library image of a ballot box. THE candidates for May’s elections have been confirmed with the publication of the statement of nominated persons by BCP Council. Alongside the election for Dorset’s police and crime commissioner, two council by-elections will also take place on May 6 to replace the two councillors who died last year. No vote will take place for the new Throop and Holdenhurst parish council with all of the seven candidates automatically elected due to the low number of nominees. Five people will contest the police and crime commissioner election to replace incumbent Martyn Underhill who has announced he will not seek re-election in order to retire.