Queen Victoria landlord James Burrell-Cook elected to Maldon District Council

Elected - James Burrell-Cook will represent residents of Maldon North ward. (Credit: Submitted and Ben Shahrabi)

James Burrell-Cook, a town councillor and landlord of the Queen Victoria pub, has been elected as a new Maldon District councillor.

Cllr Burrell-Cook was officially declared the new councillor for the Maldon North ward this afternoon (March 28), following a by-election.

The pub landlord, who is also involved with Maldon in Bloom and the Maldon District Tourism Group, described the result as "fantastic".

He told Caroline Coastal: "I'd like to say a heartfelt 'thank you' to the residents of Maldon North Ward for the incredible turnout!

"Yesterday was a beautiful day, and the by-election brought a fantastic result. I sincerely appreciate the dedication of all candidates and their teams.

"So much effort happens behind the scenes to support each campaign."

On air - Cllr Burrell-Cook was interviewed for BBC Look East last month. (Credit: Submitted)

Cllr Burrell-Cook thanked the Conservative Party for its "unwavering support" throughout his election campaign.

He added: "A special thank you to MP Sir John Whittingdale, MP Dame Priti Patel, MP Dame Rebecca Harris, MP Mark Francois, Deputy Leader of ECC Louise McKinlay, Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst, Cllr Jane Fleming, Cllr Mark Durham, and many other Essex Councillors and MCCA members who engaged with residents, listening and speaking with them.

"I look forward to serving and representing the residents of Maldon North Ward."

Mr Burrell-Cook was elected with 462 votes. In second place was Liberal Democrat Robert Jones, with 409 points.

Reform UK's Joe Ross came third, with 187 votes. Green Party candidate Isobel Doubleday came in fourth place, with 65 votes.

Last month, the Queen Victoria pub, in Spital Road, appeared in special programmes on TV and radio, celebrating the 40th anniversary of BBC soap Eastenders.

The pub shares its name with the “Queen Vic” in the show, and was one of several around the country which the BBC highlighted during celebrations.