Labour's first Saffron Walden town councillor in 20 years was elected following her victory in the Castle and Little Walden by-election.

Cherry Parker will be the only opposition member on the 18-strong town council and has been welcomed by Residents for Uttlesford's (R4U) mayor and council leader Deryk Eke.

The other candidates were Lucy Brett for R4U, Conservative candidate Maria Pearson and independent candidate David Sadler.

The by-election took place on June 12, and was called to fill the vacancy left by Cllr Kirstie Frost.

Cherry says she hopes to follow in the footsteps of Labour's Daphne Cornell, a long-serving former mayor who celebrated multiple achievements in the community.

She said: "I admire how Daphne and other Labour councillors provided effective local scrutiny and built cross-party consensus for several community assets, including the Leisure Centre and the day centre that evolved into the Jubilee Hub.

"I will provide a progressive voice, fresh ideas and more challenge to our town council, and I will work constructively with other local councillors to deliver more benefit for our community.

"I’m keen to hear from as many residents as possible and have a residents’ survey running on Facebook to help determine my top priorities. I’ll also hold monthly local advice surgeries."

Cherry has lived in the centre of Saffron Walden with her young family for several years, and is active in the community - volunteering at Café Cornell and R A Butler Academy, and providing support for independent business start-ups.

Over the past 25 years she has campaigned on issues including waste management and clean energy, and 10 years ago she was elected as a councillor in Greenwich, where she served on a planning committee and co-chaired a health scrutiny committee.

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Mayor and council leader Cllr Deryk Eke said: "I congratulate Cherry on her win and welcome her into the council.

"I understand she has previous experience as a councillor and in waste management and, as such, can bring fresh eyes to the issues facing us.

"From initial discussions we share much common ground and I look forward to our working together to the benefit our community."