A Conservative councillor has won a by-election that was held following the death of the preceding Labour representative.

Nitesh Hirani was today announced as the winner of yesterday’s by-election in the Kenton East ward. 

It is the first time in nearly 40 years that a Conservative candidate has gained the seat.

Cllr Hirani received 1,585 votes ahead of 1,328 votes for Labour’s Nishit Patel, 65 votes for Liberal Democrat Annabel Croft and 54 votes for UKIP’s Herbert Crossman.

He said he will "stand up" for his new constituents.

Cllr Hirani said: I am proud that Kenton East residents have elected me as their new councillor.

“For the first time and after almost 40 years there has been a change in colour. The sky is blue and today Kenton East has just begun to turn blue.

“I’d like to thank everyone for their support. The real victors are the residents, and I will use my new role to stand up for the people of Kenton East.”

The by-election was held following the death of Labour cllr Mitzi Green, who represented people in Centenary, West Harrow and Kenton East wards for almost 20 years, but passed away on February 27 after a period of illness.

The turnout was 36.7 per cent.