Independent candidate Mr Mick Whillock has been elected to Wilton Town Council after a by-election. 

Mr Whillock, who served in the military for 34 years, said he feels "humble and proud" to have won the election, and thanked his friends and family for all their support during the campaign.

As a local business owner and Wilton resident, Mr Whillock is looking forward to listening to the concerns of the community and representing them. 

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He said: "I’m honoured and delighted to have been elected. Watching the count was a truly humbling experience. I’m excited for this next challenge and look forward to working closely with Wilton residents to make positive changes for our community."

Mr Whillock described the campaign as "nerve-wracking" and thanked his friends and family for their support.

He said running as an Independent without party support against an experienced former Mayor of Wilton Peter Edge was hard, but he knows that the real hard work is to come, saying: "I want to help people and make a difference where I can."

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When asked about his plans as a councillor, he said: "I’m here to listen to the needs of the community, and represent those needs. I will then speak to people on behalf of the community to get results. I’m going to keep my ears to the ground and communicate, rather than making promises that lead to nothing."

Mr Whillock won the election with 489 votes to Peter Edge’s 339.