THE Labour party now holds the highest number of seats on Salisbury City Council following a by-election. 

Sharon Rideout was elected as city councillor for St Francis and Stratford ward after the poll on Thursday, July 11. 

The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Mark Mewse, was who convicted of harassment at Salisbury Magistrates Court in March.

The result makes Labour the largest party in Salisbury City Council for the first time since its formation in 2009. The council's new make-up is: Labour eight, Liberal Democrats seven, Conservative six, and Reform UK one and two independents. 

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Sharon Rideout (Image: Contributed)

Ms Rideout said: “Thank you to everyone who came out to vote in the St Francis and Stratford by-election. It was lovely to meet so many of the residents in our ward. I am very thankful to all who voted for me and honoured to have been elected as your city councillor.

"I am looking forward to working closely with John Wells and will be working hard to make our very special ward, a place where we all feel safe, valued and happy.”

She has pledged to work for more environmental sustainability and more affordable entertainment options, as well as opportunities and community services for all age groups. 

Ms Rideout was elected with 551 votes, ahead of the 389 votes won by the Conservative party candidate Andrew Suddards, with the Liberal Democrat candidate Robin Jackson following behind with 359.