CONTROVERSIAL Liberal Democrat leader Peter Chegwyn was a high-profile casualty as jubilant Tories turned Gosport blue.

The Conservatives became the largest single party on the borough council after picking up three seats in yesterday's poll.

Among the fallers was Labour Mayor Ken Searle - Tory Roger Allen beat him by only 34 votes in Hardway and Forton.

Tory group leader Peter Edgar said: "It has been a great night, we are now the largest group and have to take responsibility and bring forward people for the position of chairs.

"We very much want to work with other political parties and have a positive two years for the people of Gosport."

Peter Chegwyn's decision to switch from Leesland to stand in Brockhurst backfired spectacularly when he was beaten by Labour's Jean Batterbury.

The former mayor, who is under investigation by the borough council for leaking confidential information to the media, remained philosophical in defeat.

He said: "That is democracy, you win some you lose some. I have no complaints."

Overall, the Liberal Democrats lost one councillor they now have seven while Labour, who were the largest party, still have 11 members.

Councillor Shaun Cully, leader of the Labour group said: "I'm pleased with the seat we gained but disappointed we lost one by 33 votes, it was very close."

The election turnout was 29 per cent. The same figure as 1999.

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