A CONSERVATIVE councillor has won a vacant seat on Warwick District Council after its former holder resigned in the wake of a backlash following a ‘racist’ tweet.
The Cubbington and Stoneleigh seat was taken by Trevor Wright who was elected after winning 502 votes – 52 per cent of the total.
Labour candidate Josh Payne polled 311 votes while Liberal Democrat Richard Dickson had 113 and Green candidate Chris Philpott received 29. The turnout was 23.2 per cent.
The by-election was called after Nick Harrington resigned from his position after a tweet he sent during the Eurovision Song Contest caused uproar. He also stepped down from his role as a magistrate.
The tweet he sent out – before deleting his account from the social media site – said: “Thanks Ireland. You can keep your ******* gypsies! Hard border coming folks!”
It is believed to have been sent after Irish judges failed to give any points to the UK for their entry.
Mr Harrington was quick to apologise “unreservedly” after the story made national headlines.
A by-election is called if two or more voters from the ward request one.
And new coun Trevor Wright has reassured voters he will be an active member of the community and help face issues in the local area.
He said: “I would like to thank all those people who have placed their confidence in me.
“I would like to thank all of the local supporters and community leaders I have met for their help and contribution in helping me to understand the real issues within the community and the help required.
“I am proud to be the area’s elected representative and please be assured I will give everything to ensure endorsement is fully justified.”
