Michael Pringle (52) is the new County Councillor for the Ollerton and Boughton Division, following a by-election yesterday.

The by-election was called following the death of Councillor Stella Smedley MBE, who passed away in October. Councillor Smedley was the authority’s longest-serving member.

The result of the by-election was:
BRADLEY, Ben (Conservative Party Candidate) – 533 votes
HART, Colin (UK Independence Party ) – 347 votes
PRINGLE, Michael (Labour Party Candidate) – 1,171 votes (elected)
RAYNER, Marylyn (Liberal Democrats) – 24 votes

Councillor Pringle, who has lived in Ollerton for nearly 45 years and is part of four generations living in the town, has also been a Newark and Sherwood District Councillor since September.

He worked at Ollerton Colliery and most recently ran a fabrications business in the town, where he established links with Dukeries Academy and was a keen advocate of youth training.

After being sworn in and signing his acceptance of office at County Hall today, Councillor Pringle said: “Councillor Smedley was a highly-respected councillor and much-loved member of the community, so I have a big act to follow.

“I’m extremely grateful to the support I received from my election team and especially to the people of Ollerton and Boughton – I very much look forward to repaying them by working with determination and hard work on their behalf.

“I have been keen to work in public service for a number of years and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to represent the people of my hometown at both the District and County Councils.”