Liberal Democrats come out on top in Tadley North, Kingsclere and Baughurst

An emotional Kerry Morrow claimed the Tadley North, Kingsclere and Baughurst seat for the Liberal Democrats after beating off competition from Conservative Maria Higson.

In a straight shoot-out between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats, Mr Morrow secured 1,617 votes ahead of Ms Higson’s 1,497 – who was only standing for the Conservatives after Geoff Poland gave up his seat after just one year in office.

Mr Morrow will now represent the ward alongside Conservatives Ken Rhatigan and Stuart Frost.

Mr Morrow was visibly moved as the results were announced late on Friday afternoon after a recount.

The 38-year-old, who also sits on Tadley Town Council alongside his wife, Ria Meiszner, said he was overwhelmed.

He said: “I’m really proud and got quite emotional.

“It’s been a long year of working – and election time is probably my least favourite part of it – but I’ve really enjoyed working this year.

“I’ve got to know the places that weren’t in our boundary previously.

“We’re a Tadley branch and had two great councillors in Tadley and Baughurst – Warwick Lovegrove and Mike Bound – and there are a lot of loyal voters.

“But the boundaries changed which brought in a lot of places that don’t know the Liberal Democrats.

“It’s been a real pleasure getting to know them this year, and to think they voted for me is brilliant.”

Mr Morrow, a shower engineer who is in to sports and bird watching, said he’d be taking some time off work to be able to focus and learn about issues in the ward.

He said he was keen for more young people to get involved in local politics.

He added: “That’s my goal for next year, to expand and find more young people who are going to start getting interested in local politics.

“It’s not as bad as everyone thinks – it’s fun, it’s getting to know people and getting stuff done.”