Adur District Council elections - full report and results

THE Labour Party lost both its seats on Adur District Council in Thursday's elections, including one to the youngest candidate.

Labour stalwart Peter Berry, 82, lost his Southlands ward, Shoreham, seat to 23-year-old Conservative Carl English.

The Tories also won a seat in Cokeham ward, Sompting, from Labour, with David Simmons beating Kenneth Bashford.

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A former student of King's Manor Community College, Shoreham, Mr English was standing for the first time.

He described waiting for the results as "nerve-wracking", but said he was pleased to have won.

"It is great to come in and try to make a difference and to get it on my first go. I am absolutely delighted. Thank you to all who supported me. Peter Berry has left big boots to fill, but fill them I shall," he said.

Former Labour leader Mr Berry said after the results were announced: "Disappointed as I am tonight, I won't be coming back."

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The Conservatives' only loss of the night was in Mash Barn ward, Lancing, where Ann Bridges lost her seat to Liberal Democrat candidate Richard Burt, who promised to be a "thorn in everyone's side".

Tim Loughton, MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, described Mr English's election as "fantastic".

He added: "Carl has lived in the area for 19 of his 23 years. He has a real interest in his local community.

"We must also say goodbye to some hard-working councillors. Despite our difference in political views, I have always had great respect for former Labour leader Peter Berry, who has never failed in his commitment to the interests of his constituents."

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Overall turnout for the elections was 34 per cent. Adur District Council now has 26 Conservative members out of 29.

The Liberal Democrats hold one seat, and independent councillors the other two.

Results (Key: C = Conservative, G = Green, I = Independent, L = Labour, LD = Liberal Democrat. * denotes sitting councillor)

Buckingham ward '“ no contest. Gavin Ayling (C) elected.

Churchill '“ Stephen Martin (LD) 514; Jaynie Sykes-Strudwick (C) 575. Turnout: 32 per cent.

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Cokeham '“ *Kenneth Bashford (L) 345; Margaret Bentley (LD) 273; David Simmons (C) 554. Turnout: 35 per cent.

Eastbrook '“ no contest. James Funnell (C) elected.

Hillside '“ *Janet Mockridge (C) 684; Andrew Mortimer (LD) 250; Barry Thompson (L) 219. Turnout: 34 per cent.

Manor '“ Moira Collins (LD) 464; *Angela Mills (C) 685. Turnout: 36 per cent

Marine '“ *Keith Fayers-Morrissey (I) 809; Vincent Tilsley (G) 153; Cecily Welch (LD) 104. Turnout: 36 per cent.

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Mash Barn '“ *Ann Bridges (C) 396; Leslie Brockhurst (G) 105; Richard Burt (LD) 401. Turnout: 28 per cent.

Peverel '“ *Brian Boggis (C) 569; Kimberley Bonnett (LD) 287; Joyce Burns (L) 155. Turnout: 30 per cent.

Southlands '“ *Peter Berry (L) 337; Carl English (C) 500; John Hilditch (LD) 174. Turnout: 36 per cent.

Southwick Green '“ Clive Connor (LD) 278; Ian Lidbetter (L) 161; *Julie Searle (C) 748. Turnout: 35 per cent.

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St Mary's '“ Andrew Bray (L) 159; Robert King (LD) 168; Moyra Martin (G) 203; *Victoria Parkin (C) 473. Turnout: 32 per cent.

St Nicolas '“ Susan Board (G) 234; Victoria Broom-Sopp (LD) 188; Stephen Mear (L) 140; *Neil Parkin (C) 767. Turnout: 43 per cent.

Widewater '“ Celia Behan (G) 260; Doris Martin (LD) 617; *Christine Turner (C) 862. Turnout: 37 per cent.

Overall turnout: 34 per cent.