Conservative candidate Judith Diment wins Riverside by-election

Newly elected Royal Borough councillor Judith Diment has started political life by promising not to be a ‘silent partner’ on the back benches.

The conservative candidate’s victory in the Maidenhead Riverside by-election was announced at about 11.50pm.

Out of 1,717 votes cast, she secured 916, just over 53 per cent, while Liberal Democrat contender Saghir Ahmed came second with 397.

Speaking after the confirmation of her victory, she said: “I’m delighted [to have won] and I’m delighted that there were also four other candidates, giving residents a real choice through the democratic process.

“I’m proud to represent all in Riverside.”

She added: “I’m not going to be a silent partner.

“If I do anything I do it to the full and I will be working on behalf of all residents – not just those who voted for me.”

The 1,717 votes cast represented a 30 per cent turnout for the ward, with 741 opting for postal ballots.

The by-election was called following the resignation of Conservative councillor Andrew Jenner last month.

The full results were:

Judith Diment (Conservative) 916

Saghir Ahmed (Liberal Democrat) 397

Jeff Lloyd (Independent) 162

Nigel Smith (Labour) 144

George Chamberlain (UKIP) 95