ANDOVER’S Conservatives completed a clean sweep in last Thursday’s Hampshire County Council elections, deposing both Tim Rolt and Tony Hooke en route to taking all three of the town’s seats.

Councillors Martin Boiles, Kirsty Locke and Zilliah Brooks all cruised to victory in Andover South, North and West respectively, taking at least 50 per cent of the votes cast in each area.

Ukip’s Tim Rolt was ousted from his Andover North seat by winning Conservative candidate, Miss Locke.

The deposed councillor, who has been in office for four years, managed to only secure 538 votes, compared Miss Locke’s 1,971 votes.

Lib Dems Katherine Bird came up next with 1,031 – almost a third of the vote.

Councillor Locke said: “I’m delighted and humbled by the faith that Andover North residents have shown in me.

“We’ve achieved so much in the campaign and I look forward to delivering for Andover and the villages of the Bourne Valley.”

General election Conservative candidate for North West Hampshire, Kit Malthouse, also attended the count in Andover.

After the announcement for Andover North, Mr Malthouse said: “Andover’s delivering for us tonight, which is good.

“[The Conservative candidates] are a good bunch.”

Next up was Andover West’s results, where Zilliah Brooks easily retained her seat in Andover West with 2,389 voters.

After accepting her win from returning officer Roger Tetstall, councillor Brooks said: “Thank you very much for supporting me to get reelected.

“And I’d just like to thank my agents, supporters and the counters.

“Thank you all very much for your support.”

Lib Dem candidate Luigi Gregori earned 970 votes, followed by Labour’s Andy Fitchet’s 714 votes and Ukip’s Norman Woods’ 488.

Indepedent Tony Hooke’s Andover South seat was last to be announced on the night.

The controversial councillor, who swept to power in 2013, was well beaten by Conservative Martin Boiles, who achieved a clear majority with 2,389 votes.

Councillor Boiles said: “I’m delighted and thanks to the people of Andover for putting their trust in me.

“I’m looking forward to working at both a local, Andover level and also at full decision county council level.

“My main focus is that I’d like to look at, where possible, into Care in the Community, where I can assist and help with how we can develop Andover’s needs.

“And also into schooling and progressing Andover’s educational needs and to encourage entrepreneurial spirit back into schools so that the pupils can gain confidence.”

Liberal Democrats came second, with Richard Rowles claiming 18 per cent of the vote, with 852 votes.

Labour’s Felicity Thorpe-Tracey came third with 11 per cent of the vote. Ukip’s Daniel Emmerson (280 votes) and Green’s Catherine Hosen (243 votes) brought up the rear for Andover South.

The Test Valley Central seat, which covers part of Andover, was also held by once again by Conservative Andrew Gibson.

The portfolio holder for culture, recreation and countryside secured a comfortable majority of 2,652.

He secured 3,719 votes.

Cllr Gibson promised to continue to work with the numerous parish councils within his ward and thanked the constituents who voted for him.

“It is a chance to really start forcing through change,” he added. Overall the Tories won 56 Hants seats.