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Labour candidate Denis O’Flynn wins Heaton by-election
Denis O'Flynn - Credit: Archant
Labour candidate Denis O’Flynn has won the Heaton by-election, doubling the number of councillors the party has in Havering.
Cllr O’Flynn will join Cllr Keith Darvill, formerly the sole Labour councillor in the chamber.
Cllr O’Flynn said he was “delighted” to be representing the Heaton ward.
Speaking to the Recorder, he said: “I think we have grasped the needs of the community better than anyone else and understood the reality of the situation.
“Me and my team will start work tomorrow and will be available to the people of Heaton.”
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The by-election was called after former independent councillor Philip Hyde resigned in March.
Mr Hyde was elected as a Ukip candidate in 2014 before becoming an independent.
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Cllr O’Flynn believes today’s result signals the “demise” of Ukip in the ward.
He added: “Our opponents have been asleep and the people of Heaton have awoken to what they need and what Labour can do for them.
“I am now looking forward to getting out in the community and establishing exactly what the people need.
“I would also like to express my sincere thanks to the Romford Recorder in the way they have published the events in the run-up to today’s vote.”
The Labour candidate won with 1,122 votes.
Conservative’s Keith Wells finished second with 951 votes and UKIP’s John Thurtle in third with 864 votes.
