Christine Whelan has been elected as the new councillor for Ely West Ward following a by-election yesterday (May 2).

She took nearly half the votes (1132) in a decisive victory against independent challenger Jane Morgan (750), and Labour’s Alfie Hiller (505).

The previous incumbent, Councillor Pip Gardner was elected to the post on May 4, 2023.

Christine is a teaching assistant at a Cambridgeshire Primary school and a former BT engineer.

She moved to the district in 2000 and is married with an adult daughter.

The election saw a turnout of 33.7% with 2,413 votes cast and 26 rejected. 

There are currently 15 members on The City of Ely Parish Council.

These include three for Ely East Ward, five for Ely North Ward, one for Ely Cathedral Ward and six for Ely West Ward.