Wow - that was close, but we won! At around 6.30 on Friday, I was declared the new County Councillor for Folkestone West having beaten the sitting Conservative County Councillor (and leader of Shepway District Council!) by just 11 votes.
The Liberal Democrats have gained seats in Reigate, Spelthorne, Tandridge and Woking, despite losses in Godalming and Guildford. The new Lib Dem group will number 13 and the Lib Dems will remain the main opposition party on Surrey County Council.
Liberal Democrat Ann Rimmer was elected as the newest Councillor on Sandgate Parish Council in the by-election for Sandgate Valley ward caused by the resignation of a Conservative Councillor.
The Liberal Democrats have taken both the Hythe West District and two Hythe West Town Council seats in by-elections gains from the Conservatives. Victorious new Councillors Neil Matthews, Darren Briddock and Sam Matthews took the seats vacated following the long awaiting departure of Conservative Councillors Linda and John Oliver, who moved to Somerset in late 2007.
A deep hole in Downs Hill Road has been repaired, but local activist, Diana Coman, questions the quality of the work done. Reported by Diana and logged on her internet site, see Related Link below, this hole was very deep and a hazard to cyclists and motorists.
The Liberal Democrats have taken the Folkestone West County Division from the Conservatives. Lib Dem candidate Tim Prater beat sitting councillor and the leader of Shepway District Council Robert Bliss by 11 votes after a nail-biting count and recount.