Tom Higgins has been elected to represent the Egremont South ward on Copeland Council.
Councillor Higgins (Labour) won 354 votes to Conservative Jeff Hailes' 321 in the by-election held yesterday. The turn-out was 23.8 per cent.
Coun Higgins, 63, said: "I was born and bred in Egremont and I am proud that people have chosen me to represent them on Copeland Council.
"I have been an Egremont town councillor since May 2016, and that has given me a good grounding in the work of local councils, and I hope to be a strong voice for Egremont at borough level."
Coun Higgins spent his career in financial services before retiring five years ago. He now works part-time as a steward at Egremont Rugby Union Club.
Thursday's by-election was held following the resignation of Lena Hogg in August.
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