TORY candidate Floss Mitchell was elected to replace Ferris Cowper as Headey’s county councllor after taking 51 per cent of the votes in the by-election.

Liberal Democrat Trevor Maroney came second with 31 per cent of the vote, while UKIP’s Peter Baillie was third with 18 per cent.

Mrs Mitchell said the fight to represent Grayshott and Liphook on Hampshire County Council had been an “exhilarating experience”.

“It was hugely enjoyable to meet so many community-minded and passionate people on the door step and at the events I attended,” she said.

“I was amazed by how many people were willing to give up their time to canvass with me, deliver leaflets across the three parishes, and stand outside polling stations on what turned out to be such a lovely sunny day on Thursday. I am very grateful to them all for their hard work, support and advice."

She continued: “Now the work really starts. I look forward to raising the concerns that residents have already brought to my attention to colleagues at Hampshire County Council.

“It is clear the state of our roads is a key concern, both in terms of congestion and repair. But there is also concern about adult social care, particularly around the border with Surrey where funding arrangements are not clear cut, and about the planned review of the recycling facilities in Bordon.

“I am sure there are other issues which residents would like me to take forward and I look forward to hearing them.”

Her seat at the Winchester-based council has long been held by the Conservatives, so it was little wonder Mr Maroney, from Liphook, was unable to make any gains for the Lib Dems.

But he stayed optimistic following the result and thanked those who did vote for him for contributing to a slight boost in Lib Dem support.

He said: “Despite the disappointing outcome from my perspective, it is very pleasing to note the Liberal Democrats share of the vote increased from 11 to 31 per cent.

“This was a tremendous team achievement, for which I would like to thank all those involved.”

For the second time, voters also chose Hampshire Constabulary’s police and crime commissioner - electing Conservative candidate Michael Lane after rejecting Simon Hayes’ claim for a second term as the independent candidate failed to reach the second round after no candidate attracted 50 per cent of the vote in the first round.

After all the first preference votes were counted, Mr Lane and Labour’s Robin Price were ahead but neither had enough to be declared outright winner. As a result, the second preference votes from those who voted for the five other candidates were counted.

Mr Lane won 40,273 second preference votes and Robin Price won 23,997, meaning the overall winner was Mr Lane, by a count of 153,990 to 87,744.

In total there were 415,355 votes cast across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The turnout was 29 per cent, up from 15 per cent in 2012.

The previous commissioner, independent Simon Hayes, did not make the second round, receiving 60,743 votes.

Another independent candidate – Bramshott and Liphook parish councillor Don Jerrard – polled 14,976 votes to finish in last place.

Mr Lane said: “I appreciate the voters’ trust in me and promise everyone I will dedicate myself to the role.

“While I will take the role of scrutiny of the force seriously, I admire the chief constable and officers as dedicated professionals.

“I would also like to thank the outgoing commissioner, Simon Hayes, for setting up the office and the great care he has shown for residents of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.”

Mr Lane has previously served in the Royal Navy and as a borough councillor. He took the oath of office and formally began his role last Thursday.

Election results

Hampshire PCC

Richard Adair (Liberal Democrat) 55,266

Simon Hayes (Independent) 60,743

Don Jerrard (Independent) 14,976

Michael Lane (Conservative) 113,717

Robin Price (Labour) 63,747

Roy Swales (UKIP) 54,115

Steve Watts (Zero Tolerence Policing) 35,989

* CONSERVATIVE Katy Bourne was re-elected as police and crime commissioner for Sussex.

Three candidates were eliminated in the first count, leaving only Ms Bourne and Labour’s Michael Jones.

In the first count, Ms Bourne had 114,570 votes and Mr Jones had 61,017. The second count brought their totals to 139,335 and 86,392 respectively. I’m absolutely honoured and very privileged to be elected,” she said.

“I need to find extra savings because budgets are still reducing, and to invest in frontline policing because I know that is really important to people in Sussex.”

The number of electors who voted was 274,250 (22.54 per cent), compared with 189,236 (15.33 per cent), who voted in 2012.

SUSSEX PCC RESULT:

Katy Bourne (Conservative) 139,335

Michael Jones (Labour) 86,392

Patrick Lowe (UKIP) 43,075

James Walsh (Liberal Democrat) 29,550

James Doyle (Green Party) 26,038