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It's a case of “as you were” politically after two by-elections in Redcar and Cleveland .

The political composition of the council remains unchanged after voters went to the polls in Newcomen and Hutton wards.

The Newcomen by-election, called after the death of Liberal Democrat councillor Chris Abbott, saw the party retain the seat through Laura Benson, ahead of Charlie Brady (Labour) 259, Andrea Turner (UKIP) 153, Mark Hannon (Ind) 52, Dave Stones (Ind) 36 and Maret Ward (Cons) 29.

The Hutton vacancy, caused after Conservative group leader Valerie Halton moved away, was retained by the Conservatives through Alma Thrower (860) followed by Graeme Kidd (Lib Dem) 326, Ian Urwin (Lab) 183 and Barry Hudson (UKIP) 129.

It leaves Labour the largest group on the council with 28 seats, followed by the Liberal Democrats on 11, the Conservatives on nine, seven for The Independent Group, one UKIP and three independents (59 councillors).