THE Liberal Democrats have held onto power at Eastleigh Borough Council, gaining one seat from the Independent group.

With no surprises, the Lib Dems smoothly won and will continue running the borough council of Eastleigh for the following four years.

One-third of seats were up for grabs across 14 wards. 

The Liberal Democrats have won all 14 seats.

They will continue running the borough council of Eastleigh for the following four years.

Leader of the Lib Dems Keith House said: “There was a great set of results to for Liberal Democrats tonight—an absolute firm rejection of the Conservatives.

“Lib Dems held all the seats they were defending plus gained seats from the independents. The Conservatives didn’t really get close to the Lib Dems right away up across the borough.

“[It was a] firm thumbs-up for the Lib Dem team running the borough council for 29 years. We protect the services, and we have expectations for local voters, and we are humbled by that.”

Plans for the next four years are focusing on keeping council tax “down”, protecting services, and working with the National Health Service to improve access for people, he said.

“We have a lot of work to keep doing, not least the cost of the wreck this Conservative government made to the economy over the recent years,” said Cllr House.

“We also want to make sure green environments are enhanced for everybody.

“Lots and lots to do for the next few years, just as has been in the past.”

Turnout across the 13 wards overall was 33.4 per cent. 
 

Asked about ballot participation, Cllr House said: “In general, people are fed up with politics. We were just pleased that our vote held up; other groups didn’t have such successes with that, but it is really an issue for them to think about.

“We are just pleased we got a great result; we don’t complain. We have a lot of work to do; just keep on doing it.”