Rob Mackle is set to be declared as a Western Ward representative on the Ashburton District Council, following the release of preliminary results in the ward by-election today.

Voting ceased at midday and preliminary results show Mr Mackle with 680 votes, ahead of Hayden Tasker on 488, Lynda Topp on 428 and Carol Johns on 135.

The final vote count is expected to be confirmed on Monday.

The four candidates were contacted by council today following the release of preliminary results and Mr Mackle will be sworn in to Council on Wednesday 17 May.

The by-election was necessary after the passing of Cr Rodger Letham in December.

The voter return for the by-election is sitting at 41.65 per cent, being 1,742 votes (not including a small number of special votes remaining to be verified).

Mr Mackle will join Mayor Neil Brown and eight other councillors elected at the Local Elections last year. Mr Mackle will also be a member of the Methven Community Board, which meets next on 12 June.

You can see the full candidate and vote tally at voteashburton.nz.

Preliminary Results - Western Ward