The Liberal Democrats have come out on top in the first contested by-election in thirteen years for Marlborough Town Council.

Residents voted between two Carolines to represent Marlborough West – the Liberal Democrat Party candidate, Caroline Jane Sadler, and the Conservative Party candidate, Caroline Jane Wrench.

Lib Dem Caroline Sadler was announced to be the winner late on Thursday, March 21, having gathered 62 per cent of the votes.

In the run-up to the election, she described herself as an “alternative to the current national government” and said she could represent the needs of local people after having lived in the area for “approximately 30 years.”

After her victory was confirmed, she paid tribute to the Conservative Candidate, Caroline Wrench, thanked the election staff, and committed herself to “work hard for all the people of Marlborough.”

David Kinnaird, the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for East Wiltshire, attended the count and said: "Huge congratulations to Caroline Sadler. 

“We have to see this result is a stunning win for Liberal values.

“It is a rejection of the Conservatives dominance here and marks the beginning of a political sea change in East Wiltshire.”

The turnout was recorded at 29 per cent, with Caroline Sadler receiving 541 votes and Caroline Wrench receiving 323 votes.