WAVERLEY Liberal Democrats notched up a landmark election victory last Wednesday, when Paul Follows won the Godalming Central and Ockford borough by-election.

Mr Follows, who also won the Godalming Town Council by-election on December 13, was elected to the borough with 266 votes – 20 more than his closest rival, Tory candidate Stella Anderson-Payne.

Waverley now has 50 Conservative councillors, six from Farnham Residents and one Lib Dem councillor.

Mr Follows’ success comes after the election of Lib Dem Penny Rivers in May as Surrey county councillor for Godalming North.

The two by-elections were held to fill the seats left vacant by the resignation of ex-town mayor Simon Thornton, who stepped down, citing personal reasons, in October.

Mr Follows said: “It’s clear the people have spoken and want fresh voices and real change. I am honoured to be elected to begin that change.”