UK councillor loses seat by drawing lowest card

A UK Conservative Party councillor lost his seat on the draw of a playing card after a tie in a local election in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England.

Great Yarmouth council candidates Bob Peck and Labour opponent Charlie Marsden were tied on 1,034 votes after a recount in the Yarmouth North ward.

A returning officer produced a pack of cards and said the winner would be the candidate who drew the highest number – as election rules allow.

Mr Peck drew a three then saw his rival pick a seven.

“It was a nightmare,” said a local Conservative Party spokesman. “It’s happened before but I’ve never seen it – not the way you want to win or lose.”