I’d like to extend my thanks to the residents of Nether Ward who took the time to vote in the recent Knutsford Town Council by-election.

For many, it would have been something of a novelty as we haven’t had an election in the ward for seven years. In 2011, the three candidates nominated by the Conservatives were elected unopposed.

Having three candidates contest the by-election was good news for local democracy as we now have one councillor who has been actively elected into office to represent the residents of Nether Ward. His term only lasts for the short period between now and May 2015 when all Knutsford town councillors, Cheshire East councillors and George Osborne, will be up for election.

The turnout for the by-election was low at 23 per cent but better than the 2013 by-election in Over Ward which saw a turnout of 17.6 per cent.

Standing for election as the Independent candidate for Nether Ward was a fascinating experience which I’d recommend everyone tries once. You learn a lot about the election process, the hoops you have to jump through and the way party politics operate when someone who isn’t a political party member has the audacity to stand as an Independent.

But most importantly, you find there are like-minded people out there who give their precious time to support your campaign. We have some fantastic community-minded residents in Nether Ward and I’d like to say an enormous thank you to everyone who voted for me and everyone who helped me.

Julie Tempest Hillside Road Knutsford