A Labour candidate has spoken of his delight after winning a close-run by-election.
Paddy O'Kelly was elected to represent the West Wylam ward on Prudhoe Town Council following a by-election on March 16.
It comes after a local Conservative councillor accused the Labour Party of wasting taxpayer cash by standing a candidate and forcing the election in the first place.
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The newly elected Coun O'Kelly received 58% of the vote in what was described as a "closely fought contest". It means the Labour Party is now the biggest group on the town council.
Speaking after his victory, Coun O'Kelly paid tribute to his opponent and pledged to work hard for his community.
He said: "I am delighted to be elected to represent the community of West Wylam. I have lived in Prudhoe for many years and I am passionate about the area.
"I already know many of the local residents but I have really enjoyed meeting so many of my neighbours and hearing about their ideas to improve the West Wylam area. I will work very hard to represent them and I am looking forward to getting stuck in straight away.
"Many residents said that they felt the area needed a more effective local voice and I am determined not to let them down. I would like to thank my opponent, Jennifer Burn, who is a very respected local resident.
"I look forward to working with her now the election is over. I would also like to thank all the members of Prudhoe Labour Party who helped with my campaign."
Last week, Conservative councillor Gordon Stewart, who represents Prudhoe South on Northumberland County Council, criticised the party for calling the election and said Prudhoe Town Council should have been allowed to co-opt a new member following the resignation of Coun James Blackburn.
Coun Stewart said there was no place on a town council for "petty party politics" and argued residents of the town would be left to pick up the bill. However, Coun O'Kelly said residents on the campaign trail had not felt the same.
He added: "Many people commented on the doorstep that it was fantastic to have a contest between two local candidates who were so passionate about the area."
Coun Angie Scott, Labour's county councillor for the Prudhoe North ward, said she had been impressed by Coun O'Kelly during the run-up to the election.
She said: "Paddy will be a fantastic advocate for the people of West Wylam. I was really impressed with his campaign and his knowledge of local issues. I am looking forward to working with Prudhoe Town Council to tackle some of the challenges facing the people of Prudhoe."
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