Labour has won a by-election with a comfortable majority to re-take a council seat left empty following a councillor’s resignation.

Labour candidate Seema Chandwani saw off a challenge by the Liberal Democrats to take the West Green seat in Tottenham with 56.6 per cent of the vote.

Lib Dem candidate Elizabeth Payne put in a strong showing, winning 27.6 per cent of the vote – more than triple the party’s share in the May 2018 local election.

The by-election was triggered by the resignation of Ishmael Osamor following his conviction on drugs charges.

Councillor Chandwani announced she would donate £1,000 of her councillor’s allowance to a “youth fund” for the people of Tottenham.

Tottenham MP David Lammy will also put £1,000 into the fund.

Cllr Chandwani tweeted: “Myself and @DavidLammy will be launching ‘Tottenham Youth Fund’ in the New Year.

“It will start with me giving £1,000 a year of my Councillor allowance and David has kindly matched that with a £1,000 personal donation.”

Mr Lammy tweeted: “Well done @SeemaChandwani for a great victory in West Green Ward. Wonderful to dedicate your win to Tottenham’s young people.”

Cllr Chandwani will also help to launch a leadership programme for young women of ethnic minority backgrounds in Haringey “to equip them to challenge and campaign against the social injustices they face”.

Along with fellow Labour councillor Ruth Gordon, she has pledged to hold collections at full council to encourage members to donate to foodbanks.

Cllr Chandwani’s victory means Labour now has 42 seats on Haringey Council, with the Liberal Democrats on 15.

Lib Dem runner up Elizabeth Payne commented: “The big upswing in our vote testifies to the strong desire in West Green for something different.

“While the Osamors and their scandals did come up in conversations, people were also frustrated about the lack of real action on litter, crime and protecting local parks and housing.

“Residents have been voicing their concerns for years and simply not getting answers from Labour. They are tired of being neglected and want to be heard.”