Liberal Democrats strengthen control on council

The Liberal Democrats have strengthened their control of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council after gaining three seats in the latest local elections.

The party won 11 of the 15 contested seats, leaving it with 25 councillors overall on the authority.

Ben Chapelard, Liberal Democrat leader of the council told the BBC: "This is a historic victory for the Lib Dems, we've worked hard to deliver a positive campaign, and build local support."

The Conservatives retained two seats, unchanged from the last time these wards were contested, and now hold seven seats in total across the chamber.

Independents for Tunbridge Wells and the Tunbridge Wells Alliance both won seats.

Labour failed to win any of the seats contested in this year's election and lost two seats overall. The party now has three councillors on the borough council.

Hugo Pound, the Labour group leader at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council said: "Keir Starmer has my full support, now isn't the time to change our leader, we've seen a strong campaign here from the Lib Dems and Reform, this isn't all down to national issues."

The results continue a trend of Liberal Democrat success in Tunbridge Wells in recent years, with the party maintaining momentum in an area once regarded as a stronghold for the Conservatives.

Voters in Tunbridge Wells went to the polls as part of local elections held in many parts of England.

In Tunbridge Wells, residents cast ballots for 15 borough council seats, with one third of the authority up for election.

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