The Conservative Party has maintained control of Waveney District Council in a crucial by-election victory.

Norman Brooks, of Darby Road, Beccles, was elected the new ward councillor for Worlingham, having won the district council by-election for the Tories yesterday night.

On being elected Mr Brooks said he felt 'absolutely wonderful' about the achievement.

'Not only for myself but the people of Worlingham and Waveney, because I think [the council] as a whole are doing a fabulous job and working closely with Suffolk Coastal,' he said. 'It will be a pleasure to serve everyone in the area and I would also like the thank everyone in the ward for the support they have shown me and also to all my colleagues who have supported me.

'MP Peter Aldous worked tirelessly throughout the entire campaign and I would like to thank Mark Bee and Colin Law for their support.

'I would like to see the policy of not imposing council tax rises continuing and no more cuts to front line service. I am also in support of the southern relief road.'

There was a 42pc turnout and Mr Brooks polled 706 votes, beating Sylvia Robbins of Labour (586) and Sue Bergin of the Green Party (137). Stuart Foulger of the UK Independence Party won 64 votes and Liberal Democrat Doug Farmer polled 46 votes.

Mrs Robbins said: 'I'm disappointed that I didn't win but the swing to the Labour Party was tremendous. It shows the people of Worlingham will support us in the future.'

At the last election in May the Labour challenger Mrs Robbins secured 655 votes.

The by-election was called after the resignation of disgraced Conservative councillor Andrew Draper, three months after he admitted drink-driving and assaulting a police officer.

The Conservatives now, once again, have 23 seats on Waveney District Council. The Labour Party also have 23 with one Green and one Independent.

• For the full version see Friday's Journal.