THE CONSERVATIVES are celebrating after winning BCP Council's Canford Cliffs by-election by a large margin.

The election was triggered after Conservative councillor May Haines resigned after 17 years in the role.

Residents went to the polls on May 2, resulting in a 35 per cent overall turnout.

Following the count, Conservative and Unionist Party candidate, Gavin Wright, won the favour of the public as elected candidate for Canford Cliffs.

Number of votes per candidates:

Gavin Wright, Conservative and Unionist Party – 1720

Ray Sparrow, Liberal Democrats – 573

Jim Buchanan, Labour Party – 317

Johnny Tutton, Green Party - 163

Despite Conservative success in Poole, election experts have said the party could lose 500 council seats in potentially the party’s worst showing at local elections in 40 years.

Results for Dorset's Police and Crime Commissioner is set to be announced on Saturday, May 4, following votes being collected on May 2. 

For BCP and Dorset Council’s residents, PCC candidates include David Sidwick, David Stokes, Howard Legg and Marianne Storey.