Labour win in Tamworth Borough Council by-election

Lewis Smith is chosen as the new representative for Amington

Labour have won a borough council by-election in Tamworth, days ahead of a parliamentary vote in the town.

Lewis Smith became the new councillor for Amington on Tamworth Borough Council with a total of 669 votes.

Speaking after the result, Mr Smith said it was a "real pleasure to be representing the people" of the ward.

It comes ahead of a parliamentary by-election later this month, after the resignation of Chris Pincher who was the town's MP since 2010.

He stepped down earlier this year after losing an appeal against a proposed Commons suspension for drunkenly groping two men.

• The candidates standing to become Tamworth's MP

The council election on Thursday had a turnout of 23.83%.

Labour councillor Liam Bone previously stood down due to work commitments.

The authority currently has no overall control, with a Tory leadership and 14 Conservative councillors, 10 Labour councillors and six independent councillors.

Mr Smith, a 23-year-old who is training to be a teacher, will serve the remainder of the term of office, until May 2027.

Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Mr Smith said he stood for the council in 2021, where he achieved 30% of the vote.