The Liberal Democrats have followed the yellow brick road to victory once again by retaining power at Eastleigh Borough Council.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the party scored another win with ease – a result seen in the borough every year since 1995.

Seats were available across 12 wards in this year’s elections, excluding West End North and South wards.

The Lib Dems retained power in 10 wards, with one ward held by the Conservatives and another by the Independents.

When the final results were declared, the final make-up of the council was 35 Liberal Democrat, one Conservative, and three Independent.

Leader of the party Cllr Keith House - who successfully defended his seat in Hedge End South - said: “It is a great record for the Liberal Democrats winning the election here 30 years in a row.

“We are never complacent.

“As a council, we have kept council tax down and protected services.

“And, unlike other councils, we are not going bankrupt and that is really important – managing things for the long term.”

Daily Echo: Keith HouseKeith House (Image: Newsquest)

But the council’s controversial One Horton Heath development is cause for concern among many residents, despite the Lib Dem’s landslide victory.

Cllr House said: “There are always challenges when new developments start, a people worry about the implications.

“But, when people see the new houses, and in this case the first Horton Heath school in the development, they warm to it.

“The first homes will start being built this summer alongside the completion of the through road.

“It is going to create a fantastic place full of much-needed houses, one third of which will be affordable.”

It was a close call for Eastleigh Central candidates as Josh Constable, of the Labour and Co-operative party, was within touching distance of the coveted seat.

Wayne Irish, Lib Dem councillor, retained the seat with a majority of 92.

But Cllr Constable said his near win sends a clear message.

Daily Echo: Josh ConstableJosh Constable (Image: Newsquest)

He said: “The biggest takeaway from tonight is seeing the relief on the faces of the Liberal Democrats after retaining this seat.

“They were panicking as they knew they had significantly reduced their vote.

“I have been out on the doorsteps since last September and the response has been universally positive.”

For Cllr House, there is no cause for concern.

“When Blair was elected, Labour was winning up to five wards each year”, he said.

Adding: “The electorates in Eastleigh know that if they do not want to vote Conservative, they vote Lib Dem.”

Despite no significant changes to the make-up of the council, Steve Broomfield, Conservative councillor for Fair Oak and Horton Heath, was thrilled to retain his seat.

Steve, who has lived in the area for 23 years, said: “Personally, I am delighted.

“It is nice to buck a national trend and it shows the benefit of being a hard-working representative.

“I am pleased that national politics was put to one side despite the Lib Dems trying to bring that into it.”