Despite a dramatic fall in turnout, the Conservatives held on to their Bradford Council seat in the Wharfedale by-election.

Jackie Whiteley was elected after receiving 1,353 votes, an 800-plus majority ahead of her nearest rival David Russell Green (Labour) who polled 485.

The turnout of the polls was 27.52 per cent, a fall from the 40.2 per cent figure at the last election in May.

Mrs Whiteley who has lived with her husband in Burley-in-Wharfedale for 25 years and brought up two children, said: “I am delighted.

“It was a very fair campaign and I’d like to congratulate my fellow candidates.

“I am overwhelmed with the support I have received and for the votes. I will work very hard for the people in the ward.”

Fellow candidates Janet Souyave (Green) polled 320, Paul James Treadwell (Lib Dem) 222, and Samuel Howard Fletcher (UKIP) 124.

The by-election followed the resignation of Matt Palmer, who was elected to the council in 2003 and is now moving to Jersey with his family.

After his defeat, UKIP candidate Samuel Howard Fletcher said: “I think it has been a fair campaign. I had a good response with the door-stepping.

“I think Wharfedale needs a local councillor who stands up for the needs of the Wharfe. I hope she will remember that when she enters City Hall and retain belief in the members of Wharfedale. I hope to stand again in May 2014.”

David Russell Green (Labour) said he was pleased Labour had been placed second and that they had seen an increase in the proportion of votes.

Paul James Treadwell (Lib Dem) said: “I would just like to thank everyone who voted for me. This is the first time I have stood in an election and I am really pleased with the response I have had from the public in the short time I had to prepare.

“Despite not winning, I am going to continue working hard for the community as that is what is important to me.”

During her campaign Mrs Whiteley said she would bring her lifetime of experience to the role, which includes working as a civil servant, disability and welfare benefits adviser and a career adviser in schools at Leeds University.

Mrs Whiteley will now join fellow Conservative Wharfedale ward councillors Dale Smith and Chris Greaves.

l What do you think of the polling day turnout? E-mail newsdesk@gazetteand observer.co.uk or write to The Editor, Gazette and Observer, 8 Wells Road, Ilkley, LS29 9JD. Include your full name, address and phone number.