THE LABOUR Party has returned to Cornwall Council after more than 18 months without a seat.

Having previously failed to win a seat on Camborne Town Council, Labour's Jude Robinson is celebrating after becoming a Cornwall councillor.

She topped the poll in a by-election for a seat in the Camborne North ward on Thursday.

She said: "This is a brilliant result for Labour in Cornwall and a turning point. The unitary elections in 2009 were a low point for us and we have worked to win back the trust and support of people in Cornwall.

"It is a real privilege to have been elected to represent the people of Camborne North and I am looking forward to getting on with the work of standing up for and supporting local communities."

In June, 2009, at the unitary elections, Labour came fifth in Camborne North with 11 per cent of the vote. This time Labour's share was 32 per cent and the swing from Conservative to Labour was 15.6 per cent. Six candidates stood for election and Ms Robinson, Labour and Co-operative Party, polled 230 votes.

Other candidates were: Denise Pascoe, Conservative, 203; Anna Pascoe, Liberal Democrat, 152; Paul Holmes, Liberal Party, 61; Mike Champion, Mebyon Kernow, 32; Jacqueline Merrick, Green Party, 31. Turnout was 21.67 per cent.