The Conservatives won a district council by-election in Watlington following the resignation of Liberal Democrat member Tim Horton.

Mr Horton represented Watlington for many years before his resignation. He faces child pornography allegations.

Tory candidate David Crossman polled 441 votes on Thursday (October 10) in a two-horse race against the Lib Dems' Christopher Jennings, who gained 281 votes.

The Conservatives' now have 22 councillors but although the largest party in South Oxfordshire, they remain in opposition.

Ann Ducker, leader of the Tory group, welcomed the victory for retired businessman Mr Crossman.

She said: "It was a good turn-out for a by-election and a good win for the Conserv- atives.

"It affects the balance of power on the council. I will be asking for a review of the make-up of com- mittees.

"We are entitled to one more Conservative member on the scrutiny and the planning committees.

"It should make the scrutiny committee stronger and it means there will be no easy ride for the ruling groups."

But she said the real decision-making power would remain with the cabinet, which will continue to consist of four Liberal Democrat and two Labour councillors. Turn-out at the election was 32 per cent.