A UKIP candidate says she is “proud” of her party’s result in a by-election despite being overshadowed by the Conservatives.

Vikki Louise Johnson came third in the Potters Bar Oakmere by-election on Thursday May 4, after receiving 163 votes.

Conservative Sarah Hodgson-Jones claimed a strong victory with 882 votes and John Stuart Doolan, who was standing for Labour, followed with 445 votes.

Ms Johnson admitted she knew the Conservatives would dominate the result, but says she is “glad” she put herself forward.

She said: “It is hard as everyone knew the Conservatives would be too strong to contend with.

“However, I am still proud of my result.”

The Potters Bar Oakmere by-election was held after former Conservative councillor Penny Swallow resigned in March.

Ruth Lyon, who is also a Conservative Potters Bar Oakmere councillor, felt “quietly confident” about the result before it was even announced.

She said: “I knew Sarah Louise Hodgson-Jones stood a good chance.

"Hopefully the results will be in our favour in next month's General Election too.”

The overall turnout for the by-election was 26.6 per cent.