EASTLEIGH has been held by the Liberal Democrats once again.

After a night of pacing in anticipation the party has emerged victorious.

Leader Keith House was thrilled by the results in the early hours of this morning, shouting that it was a “fantastic result.”

His cheers came after the announcement that the party had held 12 seats and gained one.

Daily Echo:

Members of the public took to the polls on Thursday as 15 borough wards were up for election.

Now Lib Dem party members have said it will be “business as usual” after the result, which also saw the Conservative party hold their two seats.

The overall turnout for the elections in Eastleigh were 38.5 per cent and many of the Lib Dem candidates won with more than 1,000 votes in their wards.

The Lib Dems held their seats in Bishopstoke East, Bishopstoke West, Botley, Bursledon and Old Netley, Chandler’s Ford East, Chandler’s Ford West, Eastleigh Central, Eastleigh North, Eastleigh South, Fair Oak and Horton Heath, Hedge End St Johns and Netley Abbey, as well as gaining a seat in Hamble Le-Rice and Butlocks Heath.

Conservatives held their two seats in Hiltingbury West and Hiltingbury East.

One Lib Dem to hold her seat was Anne Winstanley, deputy leader of the council, who was celebrating the start of her birthday as the results came in.

She said: "I'm so relieved. I think this result shows that the people of Eastleigh are happy with what we are doing and that we are consistent.

"The comments I have had from people leading up to the election is that overall, they feel comfortable knowing that the borough is very well run. We see no reason for changing while they feel that way and even in places where there is unrest because of developments on the whole the majority of residents understand and probably appreciate what they are gaining from it.”