OKEHAMPTON Town Council has a new member following last week's election in Okehampton's west ward.  Christopher Hodgson, the Conservative candidate, was elected after polling 455 votes, with Liberal Democrat candidate Jacqueline Reynolds receiving 279 votes. The seat became vacant following the recent death of Cllr Pat Snell, a long-serving town councillor. Mr Hodgson said: 'I am extremely grateful for the trust that the people of the west ward have placed in me, and thank them for their support. 'I can assure them that I will strive to work as diligently as possible to stand up for their concerns on our town council.' The turnout for the election was 31.8%.