A by-election in Dunmow and Barston - which was forced after the previous R4U councillor Colin Day moved to Norfolk - has resulted in a "significant" win for the Conservatives.

Conservative candidate Tom Loveday was elected with a majority of 137 of a low turnout.

He said:  "It is an honour to represent the people of Great Dunmow South and Barnston and I thank them for their support and the opportunity to be their representative.

"I will do what I can to represent all residents and communities and to restore community wellbeing and neighbourliness in our ward."

A spokesperson for the Conservatives said: "The message on the doorstep was that residents have had enough of R4U failure with planning, finance, governance and general incompetence and that there is an urgent need for change."

Residents for Uttlesford said: "Low voter turnout handed this election to the Tories. Only 375 people voted Conservative in a ward of more than 5,000.

"We’ve all seen the self-interested Westminster tribes who intentionally deceive - of which the Conservatives’ leaflets and post-election statements are a good example, as they attempt to pin their decade of failure at UDC on others.

"Belief in politics is at an all-time low given, the state of the economy, our household bills, and untrustworthy politicians.

"At R4U, we can assure residents we are working hard for them, and only them, and their democratic rights, every day."