A former regional journalist has failed in his bid to be elected as a councillor on his old patch.

John Connell had stood for the Conservatives in Workington’s St Michael’s ward, where he used to live, on the newly-formed Cumberland Council.

John, pictured, works for Workington’s Tory MP Mark Jenkinson as a caseworker.

The former Workington Times & Star reporter came third overall, polling 287 votes.

The seat was won by Labour’s Barbara Cannon, who recorded 649 votes, whith Independent Will Wilkinson also finishing above John on 347.

Liberal Democrat Margaret Bennett polled 53 votes.

The new unitary authority contains the districts of Carlisle, Allerdale and Copeland.

Labour gained 30 out of the available 46 seats, with the Tories returning seven.

Four Lib Dems were elected, along with three Independents and two Greens.