LIBERAL Democrat Kate O’Kelly will represent Rogate on Chichester District Council after winning the by-election for the ward on Thursday, April, 12.

The South Harting resident, whose husband Tim runs the Petersfield Bookshop, gained 444 votes in the election, which saw a 40.45 percent turnout of those eligible to vote.

Of the other three candidates, Robert Pettigrew of the Conservative Party collected 319 votes, Ray Davey, Labour Party, 21 votes, and Philip Maber, The Green Party candidate, 12 votes.

The by-election took place following the resignation as district councillor of MP Gillian Keegan, who cited her commitments as MP.

Dr O’Kelly will represent the Rogate ward until the local authority elections in May 2019, when the next district council elections take place.