An independent has joined the ranks of County Hall after winning a by-election.

Simon Ring, a senior member of West Norfolk Council, won the Freebridge Lynn by-election held on Friday (September 13).

The independent won with 54pc of the vote, beating two other candidates. Conservative Jason Law received 454 votes and Labour's Wilf Lambert collected 167. 

The Norfolk County Council election was held following the shock death of Liberal Democrat John Crofts earlier this year.

The Liberal Democrats and Green Party in west Norfolk decided not to put forward a candidate, instead giving their support to Mr Ring.

Following the result, Mr Ring said: "I am excited to take the message of West Norfolk to the centre of the county and help ensure we get listened to in Norwich and remind them it is a great place to be.

"This sends a message that there is an alternative to party politics and that voting independent gives people a representative who is free to fight for what is best for residents."