THANK YOU Folkestone West!

Wow - that was close, but we won! At around 6.30 on Friday, I was declared the new County Councillor for Folkestone West having beaten the sitting Conservative County Councillor (and leader of Shepway District Council!) by just 11 votes.

I would like to say thank you to everyone who supported me in the election: I'm honoured to be your County Councillor, and will do my best to deliver for you.

I'd also like to thank EVERYONE who worked so hard in this election campaign, both in Folkestone west and across Shepway. I was delighted that the Lib Dems didn't just win in Folkestone West, but also saw Neil Matthews elected as a new District Councillor for Hythe West, Darren Briddock and Sam Matthews elected to Hythe Town Council for Hythe West, and Ann Rimmer elected to Sandgate Parish Council for Sandgate Valley.

Huge condolences to those candidates who fought so hard but lost this time. Tom McNeice in particular was just under 200 votes away from winning a stunning 22nd seat in Folkestone North-East, but really well done as well to Gary Fuller, Val Loseby, Alex McNeice and Darren Briddock in the Romney Marsh district by-election, who secured good Lib Dem votes. We can win more next time, I'm sure of it!

Of the 11 elections (excluding Euros) held across Shepway on 4th June, the Lib Dems won 5 of them - all gains from the Conservatives. It's a great result, and I'm proud to be a part of that team.