Chris Thomas has won the by-election to serve on the Islands’ Council.
He received 467 votes (81%) and opponent Steve Whomersley 108 in the poll on September 8.
The voting turnout was about a third of Scilly’s electorate.
“I am absolutely stunned. I thought I might win but not by this magnitude,” a delighted Chris told ScillyNews when we caught up with him at home.
A Scillonian “and proud of it,” Chris was educated at Carn Thomas on St Mary’s and then Truro school before joining the merchant marines, eventually qualifying as a Master Mariner in 1971.
He took his first command in 1974 and served as captain for the next 31 years on various types of vessels, including Scillonian III, until his retirement in 2005.
He returned to Scilly in 2000 and now runs Auriga, a bed and breakfast, with wife Sheila.
Chris has taken the seat vacated by vet Rick Barrowman, who left the Islands at the end of July.