A NEW town councillor has joined Workington town council following an uncontested by-election in the Stainburn ward.

Retired Stainburn resident and Labour candidate John Mills was elected to the seat on Friday, October 25 in what turned out to be an uncontested by-election - despite former Labour councillor Billy Miskelly saying he would stand for the Conservatives in the seat.

Mr Mills said that he looks forward to serving the area with 'dedication and integrity', adding he is 'honoured' to join the town council.

Newly-elected councillor John Mills said: "I’m deeply honoured to represent the people of Stainburn on the Workington Town Council. 

"Having called Stainburn home for 24 years, I’m committed to being a visible and approachable representative for everyone in our community, regardless of political views.

"My focus will be on listening, advocating for local needs, and working to maintain the quality of life that makes our community special.

"I look forward to serving Stainburn with dedication and integrity. I’m a happy married father of three and grandfather of two, I feel blessed to have raised my family in this wonderful community of Stainburn.

"I’m now semi retired and feel it’s the right time to give something back by serving my neighbours as their representative at our town council."

Earlier this month, the Whitehaven and Workington Conservative association announced that former Labour party councillor Billy Miskelly had been selected as the Tory candidate for Stainburn.

The by-election was set to be held on November 21 after the seat, previously represented by Conservative councillor Jaqueline Kirkbride, became vacant.

Speaking when the group announced he was standing, Mr Miskelly said: “I firmly believe that councillors of all political stripes or of none should be working together for the good of the people they were elected to serve – particularly at a parish or town council level.”

It is not yet known why Mr Miskelly had not submitted a candidate nomination for the seat by the deadline last Friday, October 25.

The Whitehaven and Workington Conservative Association have been approached for comment.