Debi Dowson (third from left) and the team

Lib Dem candidate Debi Dowson stormed to victory in the St Germains ward by-election.

The result was:

Debi Dowson (Lib Dem): 661 votes 38.4% (+10.5)
Labour: 368 votes 21.4% (+2.8)
Independent: 261 votes 15.2% (+15.2)
Independent: 225 votes 13.1% (+13.1)
Conservative: 174 votes 10.1% (-1.8)
Green: 31 votes 1.8% (-9.0)

Debi, a nurse, served St Germains on the council between 2007 and 2011 along with Madge Moses, whose sad death caused the by-election.

Debi Dowson said:

“It’s good to be back.

“I would like to thank the people of Marske for putting their trust in me. I look forward to working with the excellent Liberal Democrat team to fight for our area.”