One of Mr Smithers' first decisions will be whether to back his under fire leader Heather Smith - a statement signed by 21 of his new backbench colleagues recently called for the council to be run by government commissioners.
Mr Smithers polled 1,414 of the 2,503 votes cast, with Labour's Gary Day finishing second with 557 votes. The turnout was 26.04%.
The seat was left vacant following the death of Glenn Harwood in November.
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One of Mr Smithers' first decisions will be whether to back his under fire leader Heather Smith - a statement signed by 21 of his new backbench colleagues recently called for the council to be run by government commissioners.
Mr Smithers polled 1,414 of the 2,503 votes cast, with Labour's Gary Day finishing second with 557 votes. The turnout was 26.04%.
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