The Brighton & Hove Labour Group of Councillors were delighted to officially welcome to their number Robert Mcintosh today, after his historic victory in Thursday’s Rottingdean Coastal by-election, a ward which has never before returned a Labour Councillor.

Cllr Mcintosh brings to the Council and the Labour Group his years of experience in adult education, special educational needs and management, as well as community campaigning on issues such as housing and transport.

The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Conservative Councillor Joe Miller, in a ward that has historically been safe-Tory. In yesterday’s vote, however, the Conservative candidate finished third.

Labour now have 16 Councillors on Brighton & Hove City Council, all focussed on delivering a fairer city with a sustainable future.

In a message to residents, Labour’s new councillor for Rottingdean Coastal, Robert Mcintosh said:

“I feel honoured and humbled that a majority of the people in Rottingdean Coastal gave me their votes to become the first ever Labour Councillor in the ward. I take up my duties, officially, on Monday, 9 May, and I’m eager to get on with my work representing all residents right away, no matter whether they voted for me or not.

“One of the issues I campaigned on was Labour’s plan to regulate new developments – to stop greedy developers from profiteering from inappropriate developments aimed at second-homers, foreign investors or unregulated holiday lets.

“We need to demonstrate we have public backing in order to implement this plan. If you support this policy, or want further information, please email me at Robert.Mcintosh@brighton-hove.gov.uk. Please also use this email address for any other issue you may wish to raise with me.”

Labour’s co-leaders, Cllr Carmen Appich and Cllr John Allcock said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Robert to the Council, and we’re looking forward to working with him to hold the administration to account and improve outcomes for residents in Rottingdean Coastal.

“Robert brings years of experience and campaigning for ordinary residents to the table, he will be a powerful voice for the people of Rottingdean Coastal on Brighton & Hove City Council.”