The Green Party has secured victory in a by-election for the Cliftonville division following the imprisonment of the area's previous councillor.

The by-election was triggered after the serving councillor was sentenced to jail for coercive behavior, creating a vacancy that required voters to select a new representative.

The Cliftonville division, which had been without elected representation during the legal proceedings, can now resume normal council operations with the newly elected Green Party councillor taking office.

By-elections are typically called when sitting councillors are unable to continue their duties due to resignation, death, or in this case, imprisonment. The Green Party's victory represents a change in political control for the division.

The new councillor will serve the remainder of the term until the next regularly scheduled local elections.