ELECTIONS: Smaller parties have an increase in votes in Wealden
WEALDEN went to the polls on Thursday (June 4) and the smaller parties saw an increase in votes.
Only 42.56 per cent of the 115,362 electorate turned out to vote and many backed parties such as UKIP and independent candidates.
For more on the elections click the linkc below:
Lib Dems increase their influence in the county
Full list of results
Results as they happened
Results from around the county
The poor turnout and switch in voting is being blamed on the current expenses crisis rocking the House of Commons and a lack of confidence in the government. Labour came last in all divisions across Wealden.
The Polegate, Willingdon and East Dean division had the best turnout in the district with nearly 51 per cent voting.
Independent candidate Stephen Shing held on to his seat in Polegate with a substantial majority. Lib Dem Roy Martin, who had been a county councillor in Polegate for 16 years, lost his seat to Mr Shing's son Daniel, who is also an independent candidate.
Roy Martin, 83, seemed disappointed with the result and said, "I am highly amused by it.
"They will miss me when I am gone."
Daniel, who is only 26, said he was 'ecstatic' to have won and Stephen added, " I was very pleased with the turnout in Polegate - it shows democracy works in the area."
The Tories retained their seat in Pevensey and Westham. Simon Kirby stood down but Tony Freebody won the seat with 44.9 per cent of the votes.
However, his majority was slashed by UKIP candidate Michael Pursglove.
Mr Pursglove said he had worked hard with his campaign but believed the current situation in national politics had encouraged people to vote for smaller parties.
Mr Freebody said, "I am absolutely delighted and would like to thank the voters in Pevensey and Westham for their support.
"This position is going to be steep learning curve for me but one I am really looking forward to."
Tory Hailsham and Herstmonceux councillors Bill Bentley and Roger Thomas held on to their seats and Tory candidate Nick Bennett, who is new to politics won a the Alfriston, East Hoathly and Hellingly seat.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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