FORMER popstar David Van Day emerged victorious in the Aveley and Uplands by-election yesterday. 

The South Ockendon resident, representing the Conservative Party, secured 773 votes, winning with a 222 vote majority. 

Mr Van Day will replace independent councillor Tim Aker, who is also a Member of the European Parliament (MEP).

Mr Aker’s departure has been controversial in the borough with some rival councillors recently implying he was removed from his position by the council over his lack of attendance to meetings.

Results: 

David Van Day (The Conservative Party) – 773 (+16.4%)
Alan Field (Thurrock Independents) – 551 (-12.1%)
Charles John Curtis (Labour Party) – 394 (-1.5%)
Tomas Pilvelis (Liberal Democrat) – 55 (+3.1%)

Majority: 222

A total of 1781 votes were cast which was a turnout of 24.49%