St. John’s Ward
| Candidate | Party | Votes |
| Richard Ivor Davies | Conservative Party | 975 |
| Janice Ford | Labour Party | 515 |
| Patrick Joseph Ryan | Liberal Democrats | 254 |
Turnout 24%
EASY VICTORY FOR TORIES IN POOR TURNOUT
Newcomer to the Town Council is Richard Davies after securing a heavy majority over Labour’s Jan Ford of 460. But the major talking point was the turnout of just 24%. Town clerk, Susan Howell, described it as “Very Disappointing”.
The by-election came about due to the retirement of veteran Tory, Bob Wooller, who was moving to Devon. He first stood in a town election in 1979 but was unsuccessful. But his luck changed in 1982 when he won a by-election at St. John’s, and has remained on the council ever since. In the 1983 election, he polled a massive 2,046 votes, the largest in the whole election.
Polling Card Issues
Election officials at the District Council responded to criticism by some residents who said they did not receive polling cards. One elector was even told she could vote at Castle Farm recreation ground only to find there was no polling station there. The District Council sent out around 7,000 polling cards to the ward from 1st to 5th November. Election officer, Gillian Friar, said that as far as we are aware, all our canvassers posted the cards on time to the electors and to the correct addresses. “The cards give details of where the polling stations are located, opening hours and name of candidates”. But electors can vote without them, all they need to do is give their name and address to the polling staff, and as long as they are on the electorial roll, there isn’t a problem.
Three of the polling stations used in the election: Kenilworth School, Castle Sixth Form and St. John’s church hall.
The count took place at the council house in Southbank Road, and the results were declared at around 10pm, one hour after the polls closed.
Kenilworth Town Councillors
9 Conservatives (M. Coker, A. Cockburn, P. Edwards, R. Davies, F. Bunker, P. Spillman, T. Porter, G. Windybank, J. Hatfield)
7 Liberal Democrats (D. Shilton, D. Golby, J. Rawson, J. Bastock, H. Thomas, A. Blacklock, H. Pavier)