Fighting off the UKIP challenge, Kent County Council Conservatives retained control of County Hall under Kent Leader Paul Carter.
In a bruising battle with many divisions and excellent councillors lost, the winning of all 6 previously held seats in Tonbridge, Edenbridge and Malling was critical in keeping Kent Conservative. With the Conservatives on 45 seats across the county, UKIP on 17, Labour on 13, LibDems on 7 and 1 for both the Greens and a local Residents Association, the majority at County Hall is now just 6.
But following a huge effort across Tonbridge, Edenbridge and Malling and a brilliantly executed campaign, Sarah Hohler, Valerie Dagger, Richard Long, Chris Smith, Clive Pearman and Matthew Balfour all won through impressively, while Russ Taylor put up a magnificent fight against the incumbent LibDem Leader.
Many congratulations to all for a tremendous result - the hard work of the Conservative County Councillor (and the fightback across the county) now begins!