Supporters of the Liberal Democrats were out in force in Thursday to try to ensure the party wins at least 6 seats of the 15 that are being contested on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.

Counting takes place today (Friday) with the results expected between 1.00pm and 4.00pm – they will appear on this page.

The starting point of the day is that the parties have this guaranteed minimum of seats before any new councillors are elected:
Liberal Democrats 14,
Conservative 5,
Labour 3,
Tunbridge Wells Alliance 2.

An extra 6 seats would take the Lib Dems to 20 seats which is an overall majority on the 39 seat council.

The Liberal Democrats are certain to remain the biggest party, but their overall majority and complete control of the council may have been put at risk by public concern over the planned £68 million council debt to revamp the shopping centre which includes a “boutique cinema” and demolition of the Friendly Societies’ Hall, which houses the snooker club.

Thirteen of the 14 wards in the Borough went to the polls – the only area not voting was High Brooms, as it is a small ward with just one councillor, currently Labour’s Dianne Hill. Here’s how the seats look ahead of the results:

Cranbrook – The Conservatives will be hoping to hold their seat
Culverden – Lib Dem mayor David Osborne will expect to hold his seat
Hawkhurst – TW Alliance will hope to retain their seat

Paddock Wood – Lib Dems will hope to retain seat despite concern over vast new housing
Pantiles – Local campaigner Daniel Dzenkowski hopes to win for Con from Lib Dem
Park – TW Alliance Nick Pope hopes to return to council and win back from Lib Dem

Pembury – ITW candidate David Hayward hopes to retain his seat but at risk from Lib Dem/Reform
Rural T Wells – Expected Conservative hold
Rusthall – Labour seat facing challenge from TW Alliance, Reform and Lib Dems

Sherwood – Conservative seat challenged by Reform and Green (2 seats to win)
Southborough – Lib Dem seat currently, no Labour standing (2 seats to win)

St James’ – Lib Dem stronghold
St John’s – Lib Dem stronghold with Cllr Obasi voted in a few months ago likely to return