All Saints gets new councillor
LIBERAL Democrat candidate Sue Burfoot has triumphed in the by-election for the All Saints ward of Matlock.
The victory was even sweeter for Cllr Burfoot because husband Martin was forced to resign from the same seat on Derbyshire Dales District Council after he was deemed ineligible.
Cllr Martin Burfoot was banished from the seat in October after complaints that his job with the Peak District National Park Authority clashed with his role as district councillor, creating a conflict of interests.
But now the controversial seat will remain in the family after Cllr Mrs Burfoot received 678 votes in last week's election – 100 more than Conservative candidate Jacquie Stevens. The turnout was 29 per cent.
Cllr Sue Burfoot said: "Martin was such a hard-working district councillor and, in a way, I would like to carry on the work he has done.
"It was a shame what happened to Martin and he will be sadly missed on the council, but I will continue his work to the best of my ability.
"I am thrilled to have won the election and I am proud to be representing the people in the All Saints ward."
Cllr Burfoot, who already has a place on Matlock Town Council, is determined to continue championing the cause of the homeless in her new role.
And she is hoping to influence the direction of the ongoing Matlock Parks Project.
Conservative candidate Mrs Stevens said: "I was disappointed not to be elected but I was highly delighted with the support I received.
"The party were particularly pleased that they improved their share of the vote by 11 per cent. We will be back to fight another day."
By Will Kilner
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Weather for Matlock
Tuesday 21 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 8 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 4 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North west
