Liberal Democrat candidate Paula Spenceley has been elected to represent Heybridge West on Maldon District Council.

The journalist and retired teacher is the first Liberal Democrat councillor in Maldon for 23 years.

Paula with her husband, Nick Spenceley (Photo: Ben Shahrabi)

Following her election, Paula said: "I am delighted by the result - and humbled, too, by the trust voters have placed in me.

"Now, as the newly elected Lib Dem councillor for Heybridge West, I will work hard to represent the views of the community I proudly serve.

"I would like to thank everyone who voted for me, and offered their support and encouragement during the campaign."

Mrs Spenceley won 45.6% of the vote, at the election held at Plantation Hall, Heybridge.

The count took just one hour, with the victor being announced shortly after 11pm.

The news comes after MP for Maldon, John Whittingdale, said Maldon District Council 'needed stability after the last couple of years'.

Mr Whittingdale said: "It's good to have a range of candidates.

"Whoever wins tonight, I hope they will work with the council in a way that [the previous councillor] hasn't over the last couple of years."

This was in reference to ex-councillor Chrisy Morris, who was present at the count, despite being sacked last February after he was found guilty of breaching a non-molestation order at Chelmsford Crown Court and was given an eight-month suspended prison sentence for 18 months.