THE Conservatives have won the Chineham by-election.

Paul Miller romped home, securing 898 of the 1,426 valid votes cast. His closest rival was Liberal Democrat Liam Elvish, with 249 votes.

Independent Jo Walke secured 163 votes to push Labour's Simon Broad, with 98 votes, into fourth place.

The election was called after the resignation of Conservative John Downes following a violent attack he was subjected to in Guildford last year.

For more on this story see Monday's Gazette.