KAREN May for the Conservatives has been elected as the Worcestershire County Councillor for Clent Hills.

She polled 1,574 votes – just 148 more than nearest rival Steve Colella, chairman of Hagley Parish Council and a Bromsgrove District Councillor for Hagley West, who stood as an independent candidate and polled 1,426 votes.

Cllr May said of her victory: “I am delighted and very grateful for the support I have received.

“I am delighted to have received the confidence of the people who have voted for me.

“I really am very grateful and I am going to work as hard as I can for the area.

“I would like to thank everyone that has supported me.”

Meanwhile – Lorraine Johnson polled 236 for Labour, Susan Jones picked up 131 votes as The Green Party’s candidate and Leia Beavis for the Liberal Democrats polled 105 votes.