Conservatives win Purbeck District Council by-election

The Conservative party is now the biggest party on Purbeck District Council, Dorset, after a by-election in the Lytchett Matravers ward.

Peter Webb was elected in the poll on Thursday, beating Lib Dem rival John Taylor, giving the Tories 12 seats compared with the Lib Dem's 10.

But with two independent councillors, there is still no overall control.

The election was triggered after Liberal Democrat councillor Mark Gracey resigned in April for health reasons.

Mr Gracey also resigned from Lytchett Matravers Parish Council.