THE candidates have spoken after the results of district and town council by-elections for Kendal were revealed.

The Liberal Democrats won both seats with Jonathan Cornthwaite to represent the Kendal North ward on the district council and Phil Walker to represent the Strickland ward on the town council.

The vast majority of votes went to either the Lib Dems or the Green Party.

Last Thursday's elections were triggered by the resignation of Jon Owen, who was then a Liberal Democrat, earlier this year.

Mr Owen moved to the Green Party and decided to stand down from his council posts at the same time.

The candidates in last week's by-elections have spoken following the results.

Cllr Cornthwaite said: “I’m hugely grateful for this opportunity and am looking forward to getting things done for local residents.”

Cllr Walker said: “I’m really honoured that local people have put their faith in me as their local councillor - I can’t wait to get started.”

Liz Hendry, who was the Green Party candidate in both elections, said: "It is so disappointing to have fallen short in the district and town council by-elections, but thank you to all those that put their faith in me.

"This result shows that only the Greens are challenging Lib Dem dominance here in Kendal.

"I will keep working year-round on behalf of local residents."

Aron Taylor, who was the Conservative candidate in both elections, offered his congratulations to Cllr Walker and and Cllr Cornthwaite.

He said Kendal residents would be relying on them 'to ensure that their council tax isn't wasted and their issues are listened to and dealt with promptly'.

Jo Magne, who was the Labour candidate in the town council election, congratulated Cllr Walker and Cllr Cornthwaite.

"Current shortages look to bring challenges into the winter and beyond," she said.

"I'm hoping their response will be a focus on helping residents to reduce their reliance on cars, understand how to reduce their energy consumption and continue to look out for others, especially those facing a cut in income."

Virginia Branney, who was the Labour candidate in the district election, said she had nothing to add to Ms Magne's comment.

The full results were as follows:

District council:

  • Jonathan Cornthwaite, Liberal Democrats, 622 votes
  • Liz Hendry, Green, 527 votes
  • Aron Taylor, Conservative, 122 votes
  • Virginia Branney, Labour, 54 votes

Town council:

  • Phil Walker, Liberal Democrats, 647 votes
  • Liz Hendry, Green, 511 votes
  • Aron Taylor, Conservative, 115 votes
  • Jo Magne, Labour, 60 votes