Conservative Giles McNeill, won the Nettleham by-election with 565 votes - a majority of 52 - and will take over from former councillor Raymond Sellars who passed away earlier this year.

Giles, who works for local parliamentarian Edward Leigh MP, said he became interested in politics whilst studying in his sixth form at De Aston School in Market Rasen. He said:

“I am delighted to have won this by-election; and to join the council as its youngest member is an added bonus.

“I believe it is important that the council reflects the people of West Lindsey. Whilst older members of the council bring experience, younger councillors bring a different world-view.

“I am looking forward to learning from my colleagues, just as I hope to add value to the council with my own perspective.

“Ray Sellars was a good and popular councillor and very much appreciated by the community for all the work he did. His death was a sad loss. I have big shoes to fill.”

Giles has lived in Nettleham since 1990 and studied at Hull University for his politics degree.

Local MP Edward Leigh said: “Giles is a hard-working and committed individual and I am sure he will bring his talents to the council, delivering for both the people of Nettleham, Greetwell, Riseholme and Grange-de-Lings and all the residents of West Lindsey.”

West Lindsey District Council Chief Executive, Manjeet Gill, said: “We are pleased to welcome Cllr McNeill to the council and wish him well in this position.

“It is good that young people are getting into local politics, they can make a real difference to the district.”