Rajash Metha was yesterday elected as the new councillor for the Horsehay and Lightmoor seat on Telford & Wrekin Council.
Cllr Mehta won the contest beating off challenges from the Conservatives and UKIP. The seat had never previously had Labour representation.
The seat became vacant following the death of Cllr Clive Mollett in October.
Councillor Mehta said “It is a real honour to be elected and to now take my place in a Labour Group which is on the side of Telford & Wrekin Residents. I spoke to over 1,000 residents from Horsehay, Lightmoor and Lawley during the election and have listened to their concerns. I am now determined to make sure I try my best to resolve the issues they have, and to always be on their side.”
Leader Shaun Davies said “Raj will be an excellent Councillor and we will meet early next week to discuss how we tackle the issues that residents raised during the election. The major concern on almost every doorstep was the threat to A&E and the Womens and Childrens Unit at the PRH and residents supported our actions to date, and our determination to not roll over in the battle to retain services. There are also other local issues which they know a pragmatic Labour Council will try its best to resolve despite still facing huge cuts from Conservative Central Government.”
“I am delighted we have overall control but the pledge remains the same: We will continue to work hard with others across the poltical spectrum to solve the issues that face our Borough.”
The votes were:
– Denis Allen (UK Independence Party) 124 votes
– Robert Cadman (Conservative Party) 292 votes
– Rajash Mehta (Labour Party) 358 votes
The turnout was 17.0%
The political make-up of the council is now:
– Labour 28
– Conservatives 21
– Liberal Democrats 3
– Independents 2
Total 54
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