Newly-elected councillor pays tribute to predecessor's work

Lynn Lambert, new Horsham district councillor for Cowfold, Shermanbury and West Grinstead

A by-election was called after the death of Roger Clarke, who was chairman at Horsham District Council for 2017/18, in March.

Last week Conservative Lynn Lambert received 661 votes and was elected with 68 per cent of the votes cast.

She thanked voters for their support and urged residents to contact her with any ward concerns.

She said: “A by-election following the untimely death of a sitting councillor is not a circumstance anyone would have chosen and I would also like to put on record my appreciation of the work my predecessor, Roger Clarke, put in on behalf of our community.”

She added: “I love living in Partridge Green and it is a real privilege to be able to represent the interests of people living in our local villages.”

Kenneth Tyzack, standing for Labour, finished second with 158 votes, while Lib Dem David Perry came third with 148 votes.

Ray Dawe, leader of HDC, said: “It is a great pleasure to welcome Lynn to Horsham District Council.

“In her election address, she told her residents of the successes this Conservative run council has had in maintaining our services by continuing the downward pressure on the costs of the council, reducing bureaucracy and enabling us to maintain quality provision of our services while still giving our residents the lowest council tax level in West Sussex.

“Lynn gained over two thirds of the votes cast and it is most pleasing in this election to see that voters have recognised that the council is working hard to ensure we continue to deliver excellent value for money services to them.”

Jonathan Chowen, deputy leader at HDC and the other councillor for Cowfold, Shermanbury and West Grinstead, added: “Great to have Lynn joining the Horsham District Council team. Lynn, who lives in the ward, has already shown her commitment to the district by working for two local charities, Horsham Age UK and Horsham District Community Transport.

“I have no doubt that she will bring dedication, experience and good advise to HDC and our three parishes.”