THE Tories have held on to Bradwell South and Hopton ward with candidate Mike Butcher polling almost 50pc of the vote in yesterday's borough council by-election.

THE Tories have held on to Bradwell South and Hopton ward with candidate Mike Butcher polling almost 50pc of the vote in yesterday's borough council by-election.

Local businessman Mr Butcher received 623 votes while former Labour leader Trevor Wainwright polled 429 votes.

UKIP candidate, Hopton man Colin Aldred, netted 196 votes.

Turnout was 24.86pc

The seat became vacant after Conservative councillor Colin Hodds resigned from the council due to work commitment, which involved relocating to Sussex.