WINCHESTER Liberal Democrats were this morning left stunned by the continuing Tory revival across the district.

They lost two seats to the Conservatives including experienced councillor Brian Collin in the Winchester Eastgate division. Cllr Collin lost to Fiona Mather by just seven votes after a recount.

The Conservatives maintained their momentum following the successful city council campaign last year when they also snatched two seats from their rivals.

But across Hampshire it was a different picture with the Tories holding onto to overall control but with a greatly reduced majority.

The Conservatives now have 45 seats - down six; Lib Dems have 17 - down eight; UKIP now have ten seats; Labour have four - up three; Independents doubled their seats to two.

In Winchester district UKIP performed strongly, coming second in the Meon Valley and third in five of the seven contests in the Winchester City Council district.

Predictions that they would take votes mainly from the Tories proved unfounded, with their support coming from all sides of the political spectrum.

There was mixed emotions for Martin Tod, who held on to Winchester Westgate for the Lib Dems: “I’m personally pleased but disappointed that Brian Collin lost by such a small margin.

“A lot has changed in the last four years. We are losing votes to Labour and the Greens. People in Winchester who in the past were prepared to vote for us before we entered the collation, are now unhappy about the consequences of coalition, and ignored the achievements such as increasing the tax threshold.”

Rob Humby, who snatched Bishop’s Waltham from the Lib Dems, said: “I’m extremely delighted. I always thought I had a chance. We showed we had an understanding of local issues. We made a big thing of me being a local person. I think that was significant.”

The elections confirmed the rise of the ‘double’ councillor, politicians representing both city and county councils. Joining Patricia Stallard on both authorities are Martin Tod for the Lib Dems and Tories Fiona Mather and Rob Humby. Mr Tod said he will keep his full-time health charity job: “Councils needs people with jobs, not the rich or retired.”

But for every victor there were many more losers and defeat feels the same whatever the party. Ian Tait battled hard in Winchester Westgate for the Conservatives: “I did my best. You speak to people and they promise support and vote for someone else.”

Brian Collin was visibly upset to lose by a handful of votes: “It’s a bit of a shame. I worked really hard. All the things I worked hard for will come to fruition in July like improvements at Junction 9 of the M3 and 20mph limits in Winnall and Highcliffe.”

George Hollingbery, Meon Valley MP, who was at the count, said the Tory success showed the party was on course for success at the General Election in 2015.

Itchen Valley
Jackie Porter Lib Dem 2,908
Lisa Griffiths Con 1,851
Clive Boot UKIP 707
Andrew Adams Lab 198
Lib Dem hold

Bishop’s Waltham
Rob Humby Con 1,992
Roger Bentote Lib Dem 1,642
Vivienne Young UKIP 1,018
Robert Rudge Lab 287
Con gain

Meon Valley
Roger Huxstep Con 2,453
Kim Comotto UKIP 959
Chris Day Lib Dem 574
David Picton-Jones Lab 322
Con hold

Winchester Westgate
Martin Tod Lib Dem 2,046
Ian Tait Con 1,652
David Abbott UKIP 607
James Leppard Lab 405
Dave walker-Nix Green 361
Adam Freeman TUSC 25
Lib Dem hold

Winchester Southern Parishes
Patricia Stallard Con 1,618
Vivian Achwal Lib Dem 803
John Henderson UKIP 687
John Cooper Ind 382
Sheena King Lab 197
Con hold

Winchester Downlands
Phil Bailey Lib Dem 2,571
James Byrnes Con 1,863
Chris Barton-Briddon UKIP 850
Elaine Fullaway Lab 260
Lib Dem hold

Winchester Eastgate
Fiona Mather Con 1,748
Brian Collin Lib Dem 1,741
Patrick Davies Lab 636
Bradley Monk UKIP 580
Michael Wilks Green 457
Dave Boyes TUSC 32
Con gain