THE Conservative Party has retained overall control of Hampshire County Council.

Following last Thursday’s county council election, the Tories gained 56 of the 78 seats, amounting to 52 per cent of the vote. This was a 14 per cent increase on the 2013 election when they won 45 seats.

The Liberal Democrats won 19 seats – an increase of two on the 2013 results – but Labour’s share of the vote was halved, giving them just two seats, while the Community Campaign (Hart) retained its solo presence.

UKIP lost the remaining seven of the 10 seats it had on the council following the 2013 election and five by-elections.

Following a 36 per cent turnout, the votes for this year’s county council election were counted overnight at Petersfield Festival Hall.

John Coughlan, the county’s returning officer and the county council’s chief executive, confirmed the next steps, saying: “The majority party will now meet to consider its key appointments. The annual meeting of the county council on May 25 will appoint the chairman, vice-chairman and leader of the county council. The newly-elected leader will make appointments to the Cabinet ahead of its first meeting on June 19.

“I look forward to working with all of Hampshire County Council’s members in serving the county’s 1.3 million residents over this next administration period – delivering important public services, from education, roads, highways and social care for vulnerable children and adults to access to the countryside and libraries.”

He added: “The county council elections have run very smoothly and I would like to thank all of the staff in the district and borough councils, and the county council for their contribution in the process.”

In the Petersfield Butser ward, Conservative Rob Mocatta, who lives in East Meon, picked up the reins from retiring councillor Ken Moon.

Mr Mocatta, also an East Hampshire district councillor, polled 2,760 votes to become the elected Hampshire county councillor for the ward.

He said: “I look forward to representing everyone whatever their politics.”

Liberal Democrat David Podger polled 1,425 votes, Labour’s Helen Bolitho polled 431, Roger Wallsgrove (Green Party) 413, and James Makin (UKIP) 268.

In the Petersfield Hangers ward, political newcomer Russell Oppenheimer (Conservative) collected 3,243 votes, to take over from retiring Conservative councillor Vaughan Clarke.

Mr Oppenheimer said: “I would like to thank Vaughan for all his generous help, he will be a hard act to follow.”

Louise Bevan (Liberal Democrat) polled 1,221 votes, Howard Linsley (Labour) 462, Peter Bissett (Green Party) 319, Malcolm Bint (UKIP) 168, and Steve Whiting (The Justice and Anti Corruption Party) 44.

In Alton, the results were:

Alton Rural

Mark Kemp-Gee (Con) 3,635 votes (70%) – Elected

Nicholas James (Lib Dem) 762 (15%), Janice Treacher (Lab) 314 (6%), Christina West (Green) 298 (6%), Rigby Andrews (UKIP) 192 (4%).

Alton Town

Andrew Joy (Con) 2,463 (48%) - Elected

John Pritchard (Lib Dem) 1,997 (39%), Kellie Griffin (Lab) 321 (6%), Eleanor Hill (Green) 298 (6%)

Having retained his town seat, Andrew Joy said: “I am grateful and honoured that Alton and Holybourne residents have re-elected me as their county councillor. This was a tough campaign full of challenges with the added dimension of an imminent General Election.

“I want to pay tribute to my fellow candidates who all shared a commitment to serve our community.

“The turnout of 37 per cent was significantly up on the 30 per cent in 2013, no doubt reflecting increased public interest in local as well as national challenges.

“In recent weeks, I have become even more aware of residents’ concerns on a wide range of issues. Social care, education, health care, highways and transport in general and, inevitably, European matters have all been prominent with a steady stream of enquiries even on polling day.”

Mark Kemp-Gee said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been re-elected with the turnout in Alton Rural, at 41 per cent, being one of the highest in Hampshire and testament to the community involvement in this rural area,” he said.

“It enables me to help safeguard and enhance life in our rural communities,” he added.