Former mayor Ginny Boxall has returned to Alton Town Council after a three-year absence following her victory in the Alton Whitedown by-election last night.

She polled 400 votes to beat her 25-year-old opponent Madi Allen, standing in her first election, who received 114. Cllr Boxall polled 78 per cent of the votes cast. The turnout was 20.9 per cent.

Liberal Democrat Cllr Boxall did not seek re-election to the town council following her year as mayor in 2022-23.

In her winner’s speech, she said: “I would like to stress my gratitude to the people of Whitedown ward for their confidence in me. I will not let you down.”

Local Liberal Democrats said she was bringing “a wealth of experience” and would be “an excellent asset to the council” because of her planning knowledge and leading role in reviving The Northern Wey Trust.

Deputy mayor Cllr Chris Botten said: "I am so pleased that Ginny brings her skills, commitment and experience to the town council. Her steady wisdom has been missed.”