Tories celebrate a double victory

6:00pm Tuesday 22nd July 2008

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THE Conservative party is celebrating a double victory in Redditch as both a Tory county and district councillor were elected last week.

Juliet Brunner claimed a place on Worcestershire County Council after winning the Arrow Valley East by-election and Brenda Quinney claimed a place on Redditch Council after winning the Batchley by-election, both held last Thursday.

The elections were called following the death of Betty Passingham at the end of May.

"I'm absolutely thrilled," said Mrs Brunner.

"It's something that I've been working towards for nine years and although I'm very saddened by the circumstances, it's a real privilege and I'm looking forward to the challenges ahead.

"It means so much when I know that people have voted for me and think I'm the best person for the job."

She thanked her family and all those that supported her, saying she would not let them down.

Mrs Brunner is already a Redditch councillor and the make-up of the county council is now 30 Conservative, 18 Labour, eight Lib-Dem, two Liberal and one Independent Health Concern.

Mrs Quinney's victory means the make-up of Redditch Council is now 16 Conservative, nine Labour, three Lib-Dem and one BNP.

Councillor Carole Gandy, leader of Redditch Council, said: "I'm delighted by the result. Brenda made a first class candidate and will make a first class councillor too.

"It's been an amazing time for the Conservatives recently and I feel that over the last couple of years we have demonstrated we will be able to run the council well and hope to bring prosperity to the town."

She also said she was angry at the election being called so soon after Mrs Passingham's death.

"I was appalled at the insensitivity of those that called for the election so soon after it happened.

"Outside politics we're friends and colleagues and I hope this will never happen again."