Labour has pipped UKIP to hold onto Coldharbour ward in a Gravesham Council by-election.

Shane Mochrie-Cox was victorious, winning 520 votes on a turnout of 40.52 per cent.

But he only just squeezed home ahead of UKIP candidate Joshua Duroch, who came in 34 votes behind on 486.

Conservative Bronwen McGarrity was third on 289, while Ian Stevenson came a distant fourth for the Liberal Democrats with 35.

The election was called after Rosemary Leadley stepped down as a councillor last month, citing family and work commitments.

It means the balance of the council remains the same with 25 Labour representatives to the Tories’ 19.

Results for elections to the European Parliament will be announced on Sunday.