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.