The by-election in the Claines ward of Worcester City Council has been won by the Liberal Democrat candidate, Mel Allcott.

The by-election was held following the death of Conservative councillor Stuart Denlegh-Maxwell.

That means the political balance of the council is now: Conservatives – 16, Labour – 15, Greens – 3, and Liberal Democrats – 1.

There is no overall control and the council is governed through a cross-party committee system.

The results in full: Mel Allcott (Liberal Democrat) 1,307; Juliet Benham (Conservative Party) 1,251; Stephen Dent (Green Party) 125; Saiful Islam (Labour Party) 60.