THE small Independent group on Waverley Council has strengthened its hand at the expense of the Conservatives, through a by-election in the Ewhurst ward, caused by the resignation of Conservative Richard Worby. Diane James, the Independent candidate, took the seat with 372 votes, just 12 ahead of Conservative Richard Cleaves. Liberal Democrat Ruth Reed polled 230, while Labour's Richard Chaundy received just six votes. Waverley Borough Council now consists of 28 Liberal Democrats, 26 Conservatives and three Independents. Had the Lib Dems won the seat, they would have regained overall control of the council, lost when Farnham councillors Victor Duckett and Penny Marriott quit the group to become Independents. As it is, the Independents continue to hold the balance of power, and Independent group leader Mr Duckett is celebrating the 50 per cent increase in the team. He said local issues had played a big part in the election and was pleased that voters had put politics aside. "Hopefully people will now realise that if you vote for the person you want, not for the person you don't want who is in a political party, they can get elected." Gillian Ferguson, leader of the Liberal Democrats on Waverley, described it as "a surprise result" and agreed that local matters had been a factor. "Disappointed, but by no means the worst result possible," was the verdict of Tory group leader Richard Gates. "It does show local democracy at its best," he said commenting that the turnout, at 58.6 per cent, was exceptionally high for a by-election. "The Labour performance should not be overlooked," Mr Gates added, pointing out that a candidate needs the names of 10 supporters to even stand for election. "They are normally the 10 votes you can count on."
