THE people of Thame’s North ward yesterday failed to show much enthusiasm for a by-election to select their representative on the South Oxfordshire District Council.
In one of the lowest turnouts for years, only 839 votes were cast from among an electorate of over 4,000.
The winner, for the Conservative Party, was Michael Welply, currently a Thame Town Councillor and formerly a district councillor, with 423 votes.
In second place were the Liberal Democrats, their candidate, Town Councillor Jeannette Matelot Green, gaining 287 votes. The Labour Party’s candidate, Mary Stiles, a former town and district councillor, gained 127 votes.
After the announcement of the results by the Assistant Returning Officer, Cllr Welply said: “I am delighted to be back. However, I am really disappointed with the turnout.
“In some African countries you get shot for trying to vote. We are so lucky to have the privilege; it is a shame if we don’t take advantage of that opportunity.”
He added: “I intend to do my utmost to do the very best for the town of Thame which is in dire need of a shake up from the District Council, and I look to our esteemed Leader (Ann Ducker, who was present) to help and support us.”
Photo: The three Thame North candidates show that there are no hard feelings after the count last night, in which Mike Welply won the seat.
Leave a Reply