Conservatives hold Andover in Hampshire County Council results

The results saw the Conservatives retain a strong hold in much of the area, particularly across Andover, while the Liberal Democrats secured victories in parts of Romsey.

Andover remained firmly Conservative, with candidates elected in Andover South, Andover North and Andover West. The party also held Test Valley Central and Romsey Rural. Meanwhile, Romsey Town and Baddesley were won by the Liberal Democrats.

Nick Adams-King (Image: Dan Quina Brito)

In Romsey Town, Liberal Democrat Sandra Gidley said she was delighted with the result and praised voters for supporting local candidates. She was elected with 3,241 votes.

"It's a brilliant feeling to have won. You never take anything for granted in politics," she said.

"With the national picture and parties like Reform and the Greens, it was always a little bit uncertain. But I think what the electors have done in Test Valley is vote for people they know and trust, local, hard-working councillors.

"I say that as a Lib Dem, but I also say that about some of my Conservative colleagues who have been re-elected. It is good to see that people recognise hard work on behalf of local residents."

Conservative Chris Donnelly, who was re-elected in Andover West with 2,200 votes, said he was pleased to continue representing the area and focus on delivering ongoing projects.

"I'm absolutely thrilled to be re-elected in Andover West. We worked really hard as a team," he said.

"What really matters to me is finishing off the projects we've started, getting more SEN provision in place and making sure roads are resurfaced where people need it most.

"However people voted, I'm here for everyone, and I'm very grateful to those who came out and supported me."

Nick Adams-King, who retained Romsey Rural for the Conservatives with 3,999 votes, described the campaign as challenging but ultimately positive.

"It's been a really tough campaign, but I would like to thank the other candidates for a positive contest," he said.

"It is clearly not the same result across the county at the moment, but I'm delighted to see so many of my colleagues being returned. It is better than some of the early predictions.

"It is a positive night and a reflection of all the hard work we've put in, not just over the last six weeks of campaigning, but over the last five years of running the council in a competent and professional way."

In Andover South, Conservative Zilliah Brooks spoke of her surprise and pride after being elected after receiving 1,858 votes, a majority of 163 votes after Reform UK's candidate Richard Davis.

"It's absolutely amazing. I never thought I'd get there," she said.

"I want to work with children and support education across the area. Having been a school governor, I know how hard teachers and headteachers work to support young people, particularly those who are vulnerable.

"I hope to support children and charities as much as I can."

Cllr Zilliah Brooks (Image: Zilliah Brooks)

In Baddesley, Liberal Democrat Sally Yalden thanked residents for their support and said she was eager to begin her role. She was elected after receiving 3,127 votes.

"Thank you especially to residents who voted for me in the Baddesley division. I'm really excited to be working in the community and to start on Monday," she said.

Conservative Kirsty North, re-elected in Andover North, also thanked voters and reflected on her time in the role.

"Thank you to all the candidates for a great campaign and thank you very much to the voters of Andover North for keeping the faith in their local Conservatives," she said.

"I really do appreciate your support over the past nine years and for the next term."

She held her seat with a majority of 321 votes.

In Test Valley Central, Conservative David Drew paid tribute to fellow candidates following the result.

"It takes something to stand for election, so well done to everyone involved," he said.