THE votes have been counted and a new councillor has been elected to represent Malvern Wells on Malvern Hills DIstrict Council.

Conservative candidate Chris O'Donnell emerged has emerged victorious after people in Malvern Wells went to the polls yesterday.

She received 317 votes, beating Lib Dem Simon Gill (227 votes), UKIP's Richard Spencer (158 votes), Independent Louise Gibson (76 votes) and Labour's Christopher Burrows (71 votes).

Cllr O'Donnell, a retired teacher and a local businesswoman, has lived in Malvern Wells for more than 30 years and has been a parish councillor for six years.

Outlining her ambitions before the vote, she said: "I’m proud to have been involved in local projects including improvements to Assarts Play Park and the new Christmas tree for Fruitlands. I’ve also had the privilege of teaching children in Malvern Wells and watching them flourish. I intend to carry on this work at district and be a strong local voice for Malvern Wells."

The by-election was called to fill the seat left vacant following the death of Councillor Chris Cheeseman, who died after collapsing while speaking at a meeting in June.

Turnout was 31.48 per cent.