The conservatives have held the Beaconsfield Central ward after their candidate received the most votes in last week’s by-election.

Rita Bhalla was elected to the town council on Thursday after a by-election was called following the shock resignation of Cllr Jacquetta Lowen-Cooper.

Cllr Lowen-Cooper stepped down in July after just three months in the role.

Cllr Bhalla received 136 votes, independent candidate Douglas Butterfield got 103, UKIP hopeful Graham Smith took 36 votes and Cocktails and Dreams independent candidate Matthew Hastings had 11.

Voter turnout was 12.58 per cent.

Cllr Bhalla, a mother of two boys, has lived in Beaconsfield with her family for eight years and works in a bank in the New Town.

Cllr John Read, Mayor of Beaconsfield and fellow Central Ward representative offered his congratulations to the new councillor.

Writing on his Twitter page the day after the election, he said: “Pleased to be able to welcome Rita Bhalla to Beaconsfield Town Council following yesterday’s election. Congratulations Rita.”