VOTERS have elected a new councillor at the Ladywell by-election.

Labour candidate Carl Richard Handley won the election on November 4 with 1,231 votes.

Councillor Handley has lived in Ladywell for over 30 years, he is a qualified football referee, a charity minibus driver and a school’s award-winning chair of Governors.

Chair of Lewisham’s Labour Group Councillor Alan Hall said: “"Carl is a champion for children, young people and all the community. He is a tremendous asset for Lewisham and will be able to put his wealth of experience to good use as a Ladywell councillor."

Cllr Handley will join Labour councillors Vincent Davis and Helen Gibson who were elected in May.

The by-election saw a turnout of 29.9 per cent.