A former post office worker gained a seat from the Liberal Democrats in a Kingston Council by-election yesterday.
Yvonne Tracey, 67, of the Kingston Independent Residents Group, won with 46.3% of the vote and a 209 vote majority.
Green Lane and St James ward in Kingston-upon-Thames now has two councillors from the KIRG.
Tracey said: “I still can’t quite believe it. I feel very humbled that 855 people voted for me.
“I hope that I can pay them back by working as hard as I can for New Malden.”
She will be giving up her first year’s councillor allowance, more than £8,800, to charity following through on her campaign pledge.
Having lived in New Malden for her entire life, Tracey hopes to resolve the issues that impact the daily lives of local residents.
Issues she wants to tackle include fighting back against new tower block construction, on-going situations with cycle and bus lanes and the cost of living crisis.
Tracey continued: “I know what people are most annoyed about. I want to try and stick up for what local people tell me they need. I am here for New Malden.”
After today’s by-election, Tracey joins Councillor James Giles as the second member of KIRG in Kingston council.
Councillor Giles said: “I’m thrilled that Yvonne has been elected to Kingston Council. She will be an asset and allow us to stand up for local people on the Council.
“Thank you to all the residents who put their trust in New Malden.”
KIRG’s manifesto is to “make Kingston council work for you again”.
The by-election saw a voter turnout of 40.16%.
Featured image credit: KIRG
