English Democrat is new Mayor of Doncaster

A member of the English Democrats today celebrated victory in a mayoral election after Labour and Conservative candidates crashed out of the contest.

Peter Davies was elected mayor of Doncaster with 25,344 votes, less than 400 more than his closest rival, independent candidate Michael Maye.

Doncaster Council attracted national attention earlier this year after it emerged that serious case reviews had been ordered over the deaths of seven children known to social services in the town.

The outgoing independent mayor, Martin Winter, decided not to run for re-election after facing criticism over his treatment of the matter.

The contest between Mr Davies and Mr Maye progressed to a second round, factoring in second-preference votes, after neither successfully gained 50 per cent in the first count.

Labour's Sandra Holland narrowly missed a place in the top two, while Conservative Jonathan Wood came fourth of seven candidates.

Mr Davies today said his victory marked "a new day for Doncaster" and promised "better times" for the town's residents in the future.