Despite a fall in turn-out, the Conservatives held on to their Wharfedale seat on Bradford Council in a by-election.

Jackie Whiteley was elected on Thursday after receiving 1,353 votes, nearly 900 clear of her nearest rival David Russell Green (Labour) who polled 485.

The turn-out was 27.52 per cent, a fall from the 40.2 per cent figure at the last election in May.

Mrs Whiteley, who has lived with her husband in Burley-in-Wharfedale for 25 years and brought up two children, said: “I am delighted. It was a very fair campaign, and I’d like to congratulate my fellow candidates. I am overwhelmed with the support I have received and for the votes. I will work very hard for the people in the ward.”

Janet Souyave (Green) polled 320, Paul James Treadwell (Lib Dem) 222, and Samuel Howard Fletcher (Ukip) 124.

The by-election followed the resignation of Matt Palmer, who was first elected to the Council in 2003 and is now moving to Jersey with his family.