The Liberal Democrats remain in charge of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council with an increased majority.

The Lib Dems have won 11 seats: Culverden, Pantiles, Paddock Wood, Park, Rusthall, Southborough (2), Sherwood (2), St John’s and St James’ all went Lib Dem.

There were no victories for either the Greens or Reform.

The Conservative vote share was 23% – just ahead of Reform’s 21%. The Lib Dems were well ahead with a 38% share of votes.

Ben Chapelard leader of the Council (pictured below) said voters had rewarded the Lib Dems for delivering on their promises for improving the town centre, planting a tree for every resident and boosting infrastructure in Paddock Wood.

Cranbrook and Rural Tunbridge Wells were held by the Conservatives. Hawkhurst was held by Tunbridge Wells Alliance.

Labour lost 2 seats they had previously held.

David Hayward held onto his seat in Pembury by just 18 votes. David Hayward is from the Independents for Tunbridge Wells party.

Watch interviews with the key people at the count here:
https://youtu.be/j7oznif9zDg

There’s an update on the RVP development, which is to be funded by a big council loan. Ellen Neville from the Tunbridge Wells Alliance says she thinks not everything is fixed with the planned demolition of the Friendly Societies’ Hall, which currently houses the snooker hall.

Overall, the Lib Dems have 25 of the 39 seats on the council, Conservatives have 7, Labour 3, Tunbridge Wells Alliance 3 and Independents for Tunbridge Wells 1.

15 seats were being contested this year – of those Lib Dems won 11, Conservatives 2, Tunbridge Wells Alliance 1 and Independents for TW 1.

There was concern among some voters about the Liberal Democrat plan for a the planned £68 million council debt to revamp the shopping centre which includes a “boutique cinema” and demolition of the Victorian Friendly Societies’ Hall, which houses the snooker club. But the issue didn’t appear to impact on voting intentions.

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 went:

Cranbrook – The Conservatives held their seat
Culverden – Lib Dem mayor David Osborne has held his seat
Hawkhurst – TW Alliance retained their seat

Paddock Wood – Lib Dems retained seat
Pantiles – Local campaigner Daniel Dzenkowski failed to take from Lib Dems
Park – Lib Dem hold

Pembury – Independents for Tunbridge Wells candidate David Hayward retained his seat from Lib Dem challenge by just 18 votes.
Rural T Wells – was Conservative hold
Rusthall – Labour seat fell to Lib Dems

Sherwood – Lib Dem took both seats. One from Conservative and one from Labour.
Southborough – Lib Dem held both seats.

St James’ – Lib Dem hold
St John’s – Lib Dem hold