THE Conservatives have held a council seat in Chingford following a by-election.

John Moss is the new councillor for Larkswood ward following the vote, which was prompted by the resignation of Ed Northover, who moved to Hong Kong.

Cllr Moss has pledged to campaign for more free parking and oppose high-rise developments. The Tories held on the seat comfortably, with Mr Moss receiving 1,392 votes, compared to second-placed Labour's 472.

The Liberal Democrats came third with 79 votes with the Green Party fourth with 70.

Fifth-placed Liberals got 64 votes while three ballot papers were rejected because they were not properly filled in.

Councillor Moss said: "I am really pleased to have been elected by such a wide margin and want to thank all those people who went out to vote, especially those who voted later in the pouring rain.

"We will continue to stand up for the people of Chingford and in support of everybody in the borough who wants to see more local jobs, more proper family housing – not flats – and a council which is on the side of the people."

Cllr Moss joins fellow Tories Nick Buckmaster and Bernadette Mill in representing the ward.

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