There was delight when Conservatives at West Berkshire Council learned that James Podger, a local businessman from Hungerford, had secured a well earned victory in a tightly contested by-election on Thursday 15th August brought about by the untimely death of Cllr. David Holtby.
James said afterwards: “I am very grateful to the people of Hungerford for their support in what was a hard fought campaign. I should particularly like to thank my fellow Councillor Paul Hewer, our local Agent Dominic Boeck and the team from West Berkshire Council for their sterling work on my behalf.”
The Leader of West Berkshire Council, Cllr. Gordon Lundie, said “I congratulate James who worked extremely hard to secure this excellent result and I look forward to welcoming him to his first Council meeting on 19th September. Alongside Cllr. Paul Hewer I believe that they will make an outstanding team representing the people of Hungerford. I should also like to congratulate the other candidates for making this such a hard fought contest.”
James is married to Susie and they have two children Charlotte, 20 and Ben, 16. He is also vice-chairman of Hungerford Rotary Club.