COLCHESTER Council has dismissed claims a councillor acted irresponsibly at a town council by-election count.

Wivenhoe Independent Andrea Luxford-Vaughan was accused of misbehaving at the Wivenhoe count last week by Labour Colchester councillor Rosalind Scott.

Mrs Luxford-Vaughan denied the allegations, which were made on social media, and other councillors claimed they were made because of “sour grapes”.

Three new councillors were elected to Wivenhoe Town Council on the night.

Philip Booth and Sanchia Nash, both independents, and Chris Singleton, Labour, have now taken their place on the town council after winning their seats following the election count.

The Gazette requested a comment from Colchester Council on Friday after allegations surfaced.

Yesterday, a spokesman for Colchester Council said: “Anyone concerned by Councillor Vaughan’s alleged behaviour at the Wivenhoe Town Council election count should contact Wivenhoe Town Council.

“It is the view of the Returning Officer that all those present at the count acted appropriately and did not interfere with proceedings.”