Conservatives win Shinfield parish council by-election

The Conservative Party has won a by-election for Shinfield Parish Council.

Hilary Pollock, a longstanding member of the Conservatives, won the by-election for the Shinfield Village ward of the parish held yesterday, Tuesday, March 24.

The election was called following the resignation of councillor Andrew Grimes, who was an independent.

Votes were counted overnight at the Wokingham Borough Council offices in Shute End, Wokingham, after the parish’s School Green Centre polling station closed at 10pm.

Mrs Pollock won with 452 votes, a majority of 188 over Edward Shaw, the runner-up, who received 264 votes.

She will join her husband, Anthony Pollock, on the council, who is a representative for Grazeley ward.

Topics discussed during the election included the impact of the proposed Hall Farm development for nearly 4,000 homes on Shinfield and opportunities for young people, including ideas such as stronger links between schools, local businesses and Shinfield Studios for work experience.

The result, which was announced just after 11:30pm, was as follows:

Barrie Gilmour, Independent – 50 votes

Hilary Pollock, Conservative – 452 votes (elected)

Dominic Rider, Liberal Democrats – 198 votes

Edward Shaw – 264 votes