Ashfield Independents storm Sutton Junction and Harlow Wood by-election

The party, led by council leader Councillor Jason Zadrozny and represented by new councillor Matthew Relf, of Searby Road, Sutton, received 82 per cent of the votes in yesterday's election.

The seat was previously held by Steve Carroll, formerly a Labour councillor before leaving the party in early 2018 as part of a movement which caused Labour to lose overall control of Ashfield District Council.

Mr Carroll was in his position officially until November 2, 2018, causing the triggering of a by-election for his vacant seat - which it is believed would not have occurred had he made this decision two days later.

The Ashfield Independents received 856 votes from constituents in the Sutton Junction and Harlow Wood ward, with the Labour Party, which formerly held the seat, finishing in second with just 97 votes.

Coun Jason Zadrozny, leader of the council, said: "We have stormed to victory gaining the seat from Labour with 82 per cent of the vote.

"An amazing team who do an amazing job and deserve this amazing victory.

"Our six months in power reviewed tonight by the public. Thank you all."