WINCHESTER Liberal Democrats were this morning left stunned by the continuing Tory revival across the district.

They lost two seats to the Conservatives including experienced councillor Brian Collin in the Winchester Eastgate division. Cllr Collin lost to Fiona Mather by just seven votes after a recount.

The Conservatives maintained their upwards momentum, following the successful city council campaign last year when they also snatched two seats from their rivals.

UKIP performed strongly, coming second in the Meon Valley and third in five of the seven contests in the Winchester City Council district.

Predictions that they would take votes mainly from the Tories proved unfounded, with their support coming from all sides of the political spectrum.

There was mixed emotions for Martin Tod, who won Winchester Westgate for the Lib Dems: “I'm personally pleased but disappointed that Brian Collin lost by such a small margin.

“A lot has changed in the last four years. We are losing votes to Labour and the Greens. People in Winchester who in the past were prepared to vote for us before we entered the collation, are now unhappy about the consequences of coalition, and ignored our achievements such as increasing the tax threshold.”

Rob Humby, who snatched Bishop's Waltham from the Lib Dems, said: “I'm extremely delighted. I always thought I had a chance. We showed we had an understanding of local issues. We made a big thing of me being a local person. I think that was significant.”

The elections confirmed the rise of the 'double' councillor, politicians representing both city and county councils. Joining Patricia Stallard on both authorities are Martin Tod for the Lib Dems and Tories Fiona Mather and Rob Humby. Mr Tod said he will keep his full-time health charity job: “Councils needs people with jobs, not the rich or retired.”