By-election winners revealed

Lib Dem Coun Mick Tinker was elected into the east ward seat with 53 per cent of the votes.

And John Butler, standing for Gainsborough Residents Concerns and Issues, was voted in to represent the south west ward, winning with 71 per cent.

He was up against Independent candidate and former mayor Tim Davies, who lost out in his second by-election this year.

Coun Tinker, beat off competition from UKIP candidate John Beaver (25 per cent), Independent Richard Banyard (12 per cent) and James Plastow (10 per cent).

Coun Tinker is also a member of Lincolnshire County Council.

“I am pleased to have been elected and to have held onto my Lib Dem vote,” he told the Standard this week.

“Hopefully with over 20 years of experience in politics I can help the town council re-model itself.”

“I think with Coun Lesley Rollings at the helm, my experience and the wisdom of John Butler, we can start to make a difference to improve the town council’s reputation.”

Coun Butler, who represents ‘Gainsborough Residents Concerns and Issues’ said he had been monitoring the town council since 2005.

“I welcome the opportunity to finally get some answers for the Gainsborough tax payer to questions which have gone unanswered in the past,” said Coun Butler.

Despite both councillors being pleased with their result, voter turn out in both wards was low.

In the east, just nine per cent (500) out of a possible 5,317 people voted. While in the south west it was slightly higher at 11 percent (424) out of a potential electorate of 3,763.