POWYS has two new county councillors following by-elections on Thursday.

The Liberal Democrats won the Llandrindod North by-election, caused by the resignation of Gary Price, and have now boosted their numbers to 14.

The Conservatives, who are junior partners to the Independents in the coalition that controls the council, have restored the membership of their group to 18 after their candidate Les Skilton won the Newtown South by-election that was caused by the resignation of Neil Morrison.

The Lib Dems are the council’s official opposition and the county’s only Green Party councillor also sits with them.

The winning candidate in Llandrindod North is retired housing association executive Jake Berriman.He said: "I am truly humbled that the voters of Llandrindod North have chosen to put their trust in me to represent them on the council."I’ve run an upbeat and positive campaign, focused on listening to local residents and responding with action, reigniting grassroots activism to help make the area a better place to live."I look forward to taking my seat on the council and hope to do the community proud as a listening and proactive councillor.”

The seat is officially a Lib Dem gain from the Conservatives but previous councillor Price, who had publicly backed the Lib Dem candidate, had quit the Tory group on the council more than a year ago.

In November a by-election will be held in the Brecon St Mary’s ward, following the resignation of Conservative Sarah Lewis. The candidates are: Alan Roberts (Conservative); Liz Rijnenberg (Labour); Gren Ham (Plaid Cymru); Gareth Roberts (Lib Dem); Gareth Phillips (Independent).

Llandrindod North Result

Jake Berriman Lib Dem 226

Tom Turner Conservative 164

Rosie McConnell Labour 89