IN THE HOT SEAT: Tom Bletsoe, town councillor for St Ives South.

ST IVES residents have elected one of the country’s youngest town councillors in a by-election.

ST IVES residents have elected one of the country’s youngest town councillors in a by-election.

Independent Tom Bletsoe is the new councillor for St Ives South ward, after polling 41 per cent in yesterday’s vote.

The St Ivo School student will serve the remaining 14 months in the seat vacated by Rosemary Paget-Crowe following her resignation.

Mr Bletsoe said that the success of the Independents – another candidate, Barry Wills, polled 16.8 per cent of the vote – showed that residents valued new thinking over party political allegiance when it came to local decisions.

He added: “I wish to thank the returning officer, Laura Lock, and all the staff who manned the polling station all day. I also wish to thank all those who helped my campaign, which was positive throughout, and especially the people of St Ives who have put their trust in me to serve them as a town councillor.”

FULL RESULTS:

22.1 per cent turnout

456 Tom Bletsoe (Independent)

382 Daniel Rigby (Conservative)

184 Barry Wills (Independent)

85 John Oliver (Liberal Democrat)