INDEPENDENT councillors are nipping at the heels of the Tory majority at Leigh Town Council following a by-election.

Conservatives previously had nine seats on the 16-seat council but that has now been reduced to seven after an election on Thursday sparked by three town councillors stepping down.

Cate Willoughby was elected in Elms Ward with a clear majority of 436 votes, while Owen Richards was also a clear winner in Thames Ward with 313 votes.

It was a closer call for Paul Barber who won in Highlands Ward with 200 votes against Reform’s Sandra Bennett who gained 193 votes.

All the new councillors are sitting as Independents.

The council has seen a number of controversies since Conservatives took control of the council in 2023, including police being called following disagreements with the Tory Group and residents at rowdy meetings led by chairman Bernard Arscott.

Ms Willoughby said: “I’m delighted to have been elected as town councillor for Elms Ward with over 80 per cent of the vote.

“My immediate priority is to bring clarity and transparency to the financials. It doesn’t sound like the most exciting task but it’s something that precept payers need and deserve.”

Mr Barber said he had been frustrated at the criticism the council had attracted.

He said: “My hope is everyone on the council is volunteering their time to do their best for the community and as with any committee you will get disagreements about decisions.

“I’d like to get involved with the Community Centre. It’s a wonderful facility but is in need of some repairs and redecoration. I’d hope we can find some budget to work on that.”

Bernard Arscott welcomed the new members. He said: “Democracy has happened and the electorate has voted for their choice of councillor and we’re looking forward to working with the councillors on Leigh Town Council over the coming year.

“It will be interesting to see what happens going forward. It’s still a Conservative majority but as long as we are all working together for the good of Leigh that’s the most important thing.

“As long as no one tries to play politics with things that are clearly going to be good for Leigh I don’t think there is anything to worry about.”