THE Reform Party has held onto its Newquay Porth and Tretherras seat at Cornwall Council following the by-election staged on Thursday.

Reform UK candidate Lyndon Harrison polled 645 votes, which was 100 more than his nearest rival.

He defeated second placed Green Party candidate Abigail Jane Hubbucks who received 529 votes.

Independent Topher Chard polled 361 votes, Liberal Democrat Sandy Carter 349, Conservative Oli Kimber 132 while Suzanne Featherstone from the Labour and Co-operative Party received 120.

Mr Harrison takes the seat of his close friend Kevin Towill who died in February aged 46, which triggered the by-election.

(L-R) Lyndon Harrison and Kevin Towill during the 2012-13 civic year. Mr Harrison was the chairman of Newquay Chamber of Commerce and Tourism and Cllr Towill was the Newquay mayor
(L-R) Lyndon Harrison and Kevin Towill during the 2012-13 civic year. Mr Harrison was the chairman of Newquay Chamber of Commerce and Tourism and Cllr Towill was the Newquay mayor

Cllr Towill passed away suddenly after fighting back from a debilitating brain tumour.

Mr Harrison commented following the win: “I would like to thank everyone for their support and taking time to go out and vote for us.

“This is a great hold for Reform. I am wholeheartedly committed to the party and its very necessary cause. This county needs Reform and so does the country.

“I must remember my friend Kevin Towill and i will carry on the work he was doing for the people of the ward.”