A FOOTBALLER-turned-pub landlord has claimed victory in the first Wanborough Parish Council election to be held in more than a decade.

Jon Beeden, 26, scored 336 votes in Thursday's poll, winning 100 more than challenger John Warr.

The youngster is landlord at the New Calley Arms and still signed to Chippenham Town FC as a tough-tackling left back.

Reacting to the win, he said: "I'm really chuffed, over the moon. Quite surprised, if I'm honest, but really happy."

The by-election is understood to be the first contested election since at least 2001. It was prompted by the resignation of Jim Sinclair from the council in the spring. Generally, parish councillors are co-opted.

Ahead of the election, Jon made the case for youth involvement in local politics. He told the Swindon Advertiser: “I do feel quite strongly that I want to get involved. Younger people need to get involved in politics. I know it’s only village politics, but whatever we can do to get the village out there and people on board the better.”

His opponent, John Warr, stood on a ticket of making the parish council more transparent. John said: “I have been going to the parish council for a year, asking them questions. I’m probably the person they least like to see walking through the door.

“I’m genuinely concerned some decisions are going through that haven’t been thought out."

572 people voted in the by-election, the equivalent of a 36 per cent turnout.