Political parties reflect on results of Huntingdonshire District Council elections

Leader of Huntingdonshire District Council Jason Ablewhite has said he was “elated” after the Conservatives retained their majority following yesterday’s vote.

Out of the 17 seats contested, the Tories won 11, UKIP three, two went to independents and one to a Liberal Democrat.

Overall, the Conservatives lost one seat, UKIP gained two, the Liberal Democrats lost two and one independent was not re-elected.

Cllr Ablewhite said: “I’m absolutely elated. UKIP haven’t performed in this election. They will have to go away and think about what it is they have done this year that people aren’t enamoured with.

“I’m proud of the fact that I have been leading the council now for three years and we are still delivering services through times of austerity.

“Today is a day that started off with great apprehension and it has finished with a feeling which is probably the best of the elections I have been involved in.”

Peter Downes, leader of the Huntingdon Liberal Democrats, said: “The good news is that we have got Sarah Conboy elected in Godmanchester which is a reflection of the good work that the Godmanchester team have done, Sarah’s personal commitment, and her very good track record of work in the community.

“The bad news has been that the council has lost Ste Greenall for Huntingdon East who is very able councillor and we are very disappointed for him.”

Paul Bullen, county council leader for UKIP, said: “I’m very pleased that we have got three seats, which means two additional seats on Huntingdonshire District Council.

“It is a very good result bearing in mind that HDC has always been very strongly Conservative.”