More success for Lib Dems in local elections

The local elections on May 2^nd saw growing support for the Liberal Democrats both nationally and locally.

Nationally, the LibDems gained over 100 new seats and overtook the Conservatives in terms of the number of Councillors elected. Highlights were taking control of Dorset and Tunbridge Wells.

Locally the picture was similar:

• In Mole Valley, Lib Dems won the only seat being defended by the Conservatives with Gareth Parsons being elected in Leatherhead South;
• The two vacancies in Capel, Leigh, Newdigate & Charlwood were retained by Kirstie Havard and Dineke van den Bogerd.
• All the sitting LibDem councillors were re-elected.
• In Horley West and Sidlow, Steve Wotton made a spectacular gain coming from third place last year to win by more than 300 votes;
• In the Police & Crime Commissioner election, Paul Kennedy was a clear winner in the Mole Valley area and came a close second overall in Surrey.

Following these results the make-up of Mole Valley Council is:

• 31 Liberal Democrats
• 6 Ashtead Independents
• 2 Conservatives

Across all the wards that make up the new Dorking & Horley Parliamentary Constituency, the share of the vote was:

• Liberal Democrats 46%
• Conservatives 28%
• Green Party 15%
• Labour 9%
• Reform 1%

See the full results for Mole Valley