I have retained my County Council seat, representing Totton South & Marchwood.

I am very grateful indeed, to everyone who voted. The turn out was surprisingly high, at 41%.

Commiserations to the other candidates. I am sure we all appreciate the efforts of all those involved in the successful running of the election. It is so good to get the endorsement that was missing last year when elections were delayed.

As I write this, results are coming in but it is clear that the Conservatives have lost control of Hampshire County Council, with significant Lib Dem gains and a Reform surge, (mostly displacing Conservatives).

I really don’t know what the final outcome will be but it’s usually a good thing when political parties have to work with another, rather than the situation we have had for decades with the one party calling all the shots.