LIB DEM Rachel Allison has won the battle to fill the vacant Highgate seat on Haringey Council. In a by-election on Thursday, Ms Allison took 1,339 votes, a majority of 614 over her closest rival, Conservative Peter Forrest

LIB DEM Rachel Allison has won the battle to fill the vacant Highgate seat on Haringey Council.

In a by-election on Thursday, Ms Allison took 1,339 votes, a majority of 614 over her closest rival, Conservative Peter Forrest.

Taking the seat vacated by Justin Portess, who has moved away from the area, she will be the Lib Dems' third Highgate ward councillor, joining Bob Hare and Haringey Lib Dem leader Neil Williams.

Ms Allison said: "I'm thrilled to have been elected to serve the people of Highgate, and I would like to offer my thanks to everyone who came out to vote in the election. I have met hundreds of local residents over the past few weeks, and it's going to be a pleasure to work on their behalf."

Results:

* Rachel Allison, Liberal Democrat, 1,339 votes

* Ralph Crisp, Independent, 190 votes

* Peter Forrest, Conservative, 725 votes

* David Heath, Labour 241 votes

* Sarah Mitchell, Green, 138 votes

Electorate: 8,012

Votes cast: 2,633

Turnout: 32.86 per cent.