A NEW COUNTY Councillor has been elected for a Kidderminster ward following the death of Mike Oborski.

Graham Ballinger, representing Liberal Party Save Our Hospital, won a by-election on Thursday night in the St Chad's ward.

Mr Ballinger polled 1,059 votes, beating second placed Tracey Onslow for the Conservative Party who had 679 votes.

Coun Oborski, a former Kidderminster Mayor and Wyre Forest district councillor, died of liver and lung cancer in February at the age of 60.

Howard Martin, standing for Independent Health Concern, gained 252 votes, while fourth place went to Dan Watson for Labour, who polled 133 votes.

Mr Watson is brother of current Labour party MP for West Bromwich East Tom Watson, who led a failed coup to try and force Prime Minister Tony Blair to resign last year.