Newcomer tops poll as more than 70% vote in Alderney

Monday 29th November 2010, 2:29PM GMT.

Poll-topper Matthew Birmingham, left, with successful candidates Tony Llewellyn, Paul Arditti and Raymond Berry.

ALDERNEY’S States will welcome three new members in January.

Five seats were available in Saturday’s poll, which was topped by newcomer Matthew Birmingham. Paul Arditti and Raymond Berry were also elected for the first time, while sitting members Tony Llewellyn and Ian Tugby retained their seats.

Turnout topped 70%, despite four inches of snow covering the island on Saturday morning.

It took a trio of Jurats three hours to count and verify the ballot papers before States chief executive Roy Burke announced the result shortly before 10pm.

A delighted Mr Birmingham, who finished more than 150 votes in front of his nearest rival, said he would work to get Alderney’s economy back on track.