Conservatives hold Rushmere St Andrew and Liberal Democrats keep Woodbridge in East Suffolk Council by-elections

The political makeup of a district remains unchanged despite a close call during a by-election this week.

Voters at two East Suffolk Council wards went to the polls yesterday to decide who would represent them.

Conservative hopeful Robert Cawley won Rushmere St Andrew with 377 votes, beating out Green Party competitor Julian Cusack by four votes.

Reform UK’s Alistair Jeffreys came in a close third with 347 votes, while Labour’s Laurence Bradley got 166 votes.

The vote was held following the resignation of Deborah Dean, of the Conservatives.

Voter turnout was 35.6 per cent.

Meanwhile, Woodbridge saw a clear-cut winner.

Liberal Democrat candidate Ruth Leach – who also sits on Suffolk County Council – won the with 1,023 votes.

Tory hopeful Alan Porter came second with 391, while Reform UK’s Garry Debenham came third with 274 votes.

Labour’s Des Waters received 219 votes.

The vote at Woodbridge was called following the resignation and death of Kay Yule, also from the Liberal Democrats.

Turnout was 30 per cent.

A spokesman for East Suffolk Council said the authority’s composition remained unchanged.

In total, there are 16 Green councillors, 15 from the Conservatives, 12 Labour, 10 Liberal Democract and two Independent.