Clifton gains absolute majority in by-election

12 May 2015 4:04 PM -

Official results have been released for the Forbes Shire Council By-Election with Grant Clifton as the preferred candidate, gaining the absolute majority of votes.

Returning Officer Alan McCormack released the official results today after postal votes closed at 6pm last night.

The final results were:
• Grant Clifton 2723
• Jenny Webb 1059
• Robyn Miller 926
• John Berger 611

Overall there were 5397 votes cast during the by-election through polling places on election-day, pre-poll and postal votes. Out of those, 78 votes were informal.

The by-election was held to elect one councillor to replace the vacant position left by the late Cr Ron Penny.

While Mr Clifton has received the majority of votes, with no preference votes needed, candidates have 24 hours from the time they are notified of the official results to call a recount. If no recount is requested, Mr Clifton will then be formally declared Forbes Shire Council’s ninth councillor.