There were times at last night's County Council elections for Maldon, Southminster and Heybridge / Tollesbury wards that the incumbent Conservatives looked nervous - but after a tense recount they emerged victorious.
UKIP candidate Tim Drain for Southminster, standing against 14-year council veteran Bob Boyce, looked to be pulling ahead as councillors watched nervously on at the count late last night at Blackwater Leisure Centre, Maldon. Excitement began to grow among the purple and yellow hopefuls (the UKIP colours) but after a recount finishing at 2am the blue rosettes took home the glory.
Elected back into their positions on the County Council were Penny Channer, Bob Boyce, and Rodney Bass - who has been successful for the fifth time in his ward.
Speaking after his win, Mr Bass, said: "Those who have voted for UKIP did so as a protest vote but I do think that the Maldon District has been served well. The Conservatives will still control County Hall and that will be for the benefit of Essex."
And it seems that - by a fraction - voters in the Maldon District had agreed with him.
UKIP candidate Tim Drain for Southminster, standing against 14-year council veteran Bob Boyce, looked to be pulling ahead as councillors watched nervously on at the count late last night at Blackwater Leisure Centre, Maldon. Excitement began to grow among the purple and yellow hopefuls (the UKIP colours) but after a recount finishing at 2am the blue rosettes took home the glory.
Elected back into their positions on the County Council were Penny Channer, Bob Boyce, and Rodney Bass - who has been successful for the fifth time in his ward.
Speaking after his win, Mr Bass, said: "Those who have voted for UKIP did so as a protest vote but I do think that the Maldon District has been served well. The Conservatives will still control County Hall and that will be for the benefit of Essex."
And it seems that - by a fraction - voters in the Maldon District had agreed with him.
