Newly elected Michele all set to start work

Michele Scott retained the Warbreck seat for the Conservatives after securing more than half the vote.

She now joins her husband Danny in representing the ward on Blackpool Council.

Following her victory Mrs Scott said: “I am honoured to have been elected as councillor for Warbreck.

“It was reassuring to secure a significant victory by running a positive, honest and upbeat campaign.

“I look forward to working with Danny to make Warbreck a cleaner, greener and safer place to live and work in.”

Mrs Scott, who has lived in Warbreck for 16 years, has a job in local government, working with the NHS and social care, supporting vulnerable residents.

Among the priorities she named in her election campaign were tackling issues including dog fouling, the spread of HMOs and unsuitable developments, and road safety in several locations.

She also called for support for local businesses so they could capitalise on the investment in a new conference centre at the Winter Gardens.

Mrs Scott secured 728 votes, which was 54.82 per cent of the electorate, ahead of Labour’s Ian Treasure who received 468 votes (35.24 per cent).

The other candidates were Walter Cairns (UKIP) won 75 votes (5.65 per cent) and Kevan Benfold (Liberal Democrats) with 57 votes (4.29 per cent).

Turnout was 27.23 per cent.

The by-election was called following the death last October of former Conservative councillor Tony Brown who had represented Warbreck ward on Blackpool Council since 2000.