A by-election for a borough council ward has been won by the independent group candidate.

Residents in Sittingbourne went to the polls yesterday (November 21).

The Murston ward seat on Swale council was up for grabs and it was a contest between five candidates.

The counting took place today (Friday) and returning officer Larissa Reed declared that Carrie Pollard, from Swale Independents, had been elected with 269 votes.

There was a turnout of just 17%.

The full results were:

Mauriusz Bencych – Conservative – 116 votes

Ian Michael Bobbett – Reform – 139 votes

Rakel Morenike Eseku – Labour – 229 votes

Carrie Pollard – Swale Independents – 269 votes

Alexander Stennings – Liberal Democrats – 26 votes

Speaking to KentOnline after it was announced, Carrie said: “Thank you to everyone who contributed to getting me here.

“I can’t wait to get going – I am proud to be the voice for Murston.”

During her canvassing, Carrie addressed several issues which included parking, road conditions, fly-tipping, refuse collection and anti-social behaviour.

She says she wants to be a “consistent presence” and will be actively listening to people’s needs.

The by-election was called after James Hall, who had been on the council for nine years, failed to attend meetings in the last six months.

It meant the seat was vacant under the Local Government Act 1972.

As previously reported, he pleaded not guilty after being charged with six offences of rape, nine of indecency with a child, 12 of indecent assault, one of sexual assault and three of cruelty between July 1986 and December 2005.

A four-week hearing has been set for October 26, 2026, with the delay said to be due to long court waiting lists.