Labour have retained the ward of Norbury and Pollards Hill, winning the by-election triggered by the death of Cllr Maggie Mansell.

Last Thursday voters took to the polls, choosing Labour's Leila Ben-Hassell as their town hall representative.

Ben-Hassell won by a comfortable margin, claiming 1,379 votes (64.5 per cent) compared to 324 (15.2 per cent) for her nearest rival, Conservative Tirena Gunter.

Following her victory, Ben Hassell said: “I’m thankful to all the residents of Norbury and Pollards Hill who have put their faith in.

"This win is a tribute to the late Cllr Maggie Mansell who was dearly loved By so many in the ward.

"I am looking forward to carry on in Maggie’s footsteps and build on her legacy. I cannot wait to get stuck in and serve all communities of Norbury and Pollards Hill that make the area so wonderful.

"Regardless of all the uncertainty in Westminster, this result is a clear sign that Croydon Labour’s ambition is shared by so many in Norbury.”

Your Local Guardian:

Ben-Hassell with Labour supporters

Leila Ben-Hassell is currently vice-chair of Croydon north Labour and describes herself as a proud European and feminist.

By day she is a public realm project manager for the City of London.

Selected over four other candidates by her local party, this was the first time she fought an election.

Labour councillor Maggie Mansell died in January following a short illness, having served the area for 25 years.

A quarter of the ward's population cast their vote, choosing between seven candidates.

Mark Grady, an independent candidate who ran on a waste management platform, came third, claiming 162 votes (7.6 percent).

In last place was the UKIP candidate, Kathleen Garner, who managed just 40 votes.

The votes were as follows:

Leila Ben-Hassel (Labour) – 1,379 (64.5%)

Tirena Gunter (Conservative) – 324 (15.2%)

Mark O’Grady (Independent) – 162 (7.6%)

Rachel Chance (Green) – 91 (4.3%)

Malgorzata Roznerska (Independent) – 72 (3.4%)

Guy Burchett (Liberal Democrat) – 70 votes (3.3%)

Kathleen Garner (UKIP) – 40 (1.9%)