Second councillor elected in Melksham East ward

NEW councillor, Charlie Stokes, has been elected to Melksham Town Council following a by-election held on Thursday 5th October. 

The by-election took place following the resignation of Carl Houghton in July. Liberal Democrat candidate, Charlie Stokes, received 302 votes over the other candidates; Ryan Clarke (independent) 22 votes; Gillian Elson (Conservative), 115 votes; and Andrew Griffin (independent), 37 votes. 

Cllr Charlie Stokes said, “Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who came out and voted, it is an honour to have been elected as the new Liberal Democrat councillor for Melksham East. Secondly, I’d like to extend my thanks to the other candidates for a hard-fought campaign. 

“Over the last few weeks, I’ve had the privilege of talking to many of the residents and I want to reaffirm that I share many of your concerns over the issues that we face in Melksham East. I will work tirelessly alongside Jennie Westbrook to make sure that we start to look for resolutions to the issues facing Melksham East, including pushing for the construction of the Community Centre. 

“I am also looking forward to engaging further with the younger generation of our community. Having had the chance to speak with many of them during my campaign, it has been heartwarming to hear so many of them eager to be part of improving our town. 

“I am excited to have the opportunity to work with the other Melksham Town councillors to help our town flourish in ways that our residents can be proud of.” 

Charlie Stokes is the second councillor to be elected for the Melksham East ward, following the election of cllr Jennie Westbrook, also for Liberal Democrats, in July.