Barratt replaces Bassett in Central Ward

Glenda Barratt has won the by-election for the Hutt City Council’s Central Ward, replacing David Bassett, who resigned in June. Barratt, who has served twice before on the council, edged out Andrea Hilton by six votes, according to results released yesterday. Bassett, a former deputy mayor, resigned abruptly in June, citing a lack of confidence in the council’s leadership. Barratt said that the number one issue raised with her by residents was rubbish and recycling. ‘‘I would hope that there is a review, I will be pressing for one. People are not happy, they want it changed,’’ she said. Although the result was close, electoral officer Bruce Hodgins said it would take a ‘‘big turnaround’’ to change it. There are only 15 special votes, so second-placed Hilton would have to win most of the specials, he said. Central Hutt by-election results: Glenda Barratt 595, Andrea Hilton 589, Henry Clayton 559, Michael Lulich 524, Faran Shazhad 368, Simon Monrad 161, Ash Roper 99, Colin Wilson 90, Thomas Morgan 73, Evelyn Richter 69, Andrew Fox 68, Phil Caswell, 33, Informal 8, Blank 13.