Kensal Green has welcomed in a new Labour councillor with a large majority despite a small turnout of residents.

Brent & Kilburn Times: Cllr Dan Filson died in OctoberCllr Dan Filson died in October (Image: Archant)

Cllr Jun Bo (Jumbo) Chan received 931 votes, 53 per cent of the total, in last night’s by-election.

The by-election was called following the sudden death of Labour councillor Dan Filson in October.

The Hampstead School English teacher beat Sarah Dickson who came in second place for the Liberal Democrats with 417 votes.

Chris Alley, the conservative contender received 255 votes, Jafar Hassan from the Green Party 102 and UKIP’s Juliette Nibbs attaining 38 votes.

There was a small turnout with 1,743 residents out of a possible 8,622 eligible voters marching to polling stations or casting postal votes.

Cllr Chan said: “I am extremely proud to have had received so much support and encouragement from the residents in Kensal Green during this intense campaign.

“I together with Cllr Matthew Kelcher and Cllr Claudia Hector, intend to further democracy in Kensal Green.

“I look forward to listening to, learning from and working with the people of Kensal Green in the New Year and beyond.”

Carolyn Downs, chief executive at Brent Council, said: “By-elections tend to have a lower number of people voting in them than you would see at a general election or a borough-wide council election, so I am pleased that despite the winter weather, 1,743 residents exercised their democratic right and voted.

“I would like to thank everyone who helped the election run so smoothly, in particular, those who staffed the polling stations and counted the ballot papers.

“I would also like to congratulate Jumbo on his victory and I look forward to working with him, in his new role as councillor for Kensal Green ward.”