The Green Party has increased its standing on BCP Council with a by-election victory.

Sara Armstrong was elected to represent the East Cliff and Springbourne ward.

Residents went to the polls on Thursday, June 29, with the result declared on the morning of Friday, June 30.

Cllr Armstrong performed better at the ballot box than the Conservative’s David Kelsey (614 votes), Labour’s Declan Stones (590 votes) and Liberal Democrat’s Paul Radcliffe (108 votes).

Bournemouth Echo: Green Party member Sara Armstrong has been elected as councillor for the East Cliff and Springbourne ward on BCP CouncilGreen Party member Sara Armstrong has been elected as councillor for the East Cliff and Springbourne ward on BCP Council (Image: Bournemouth Green Party)

The by-election was called after Labour member Martin Bedford resigned as a councillor less than a week on from being elected in early May.

Mr Bedford said ongoing health issues had led to him taking the “difficult decision” to stand down.

The election of Cllr Armstrong means the Green Party now has six BCP Council members and it is the fifth largest party behind Christchurch Independents (eight councillors), Labour (10 councillors), Conservative (12 councillors) and Liberal Democrat (28 councillors).