CONSERVATIVE candidates swept the board at the Longfield, New Barn and Southfleet by-election.
Bertie Bassam, Alex Dunn and Jeremy Kite won a convincing victory in the election postponed from May 1 following the death of Councillor Bob Dunn, Alex Dunn’s father.
The result now means Dartford Council’s political make-up is 21 Conservatives, 16 Labour, six independents and one New England.
Recent graduate Councillor Alex Dunn, 21, achieved 1,393 votes from a total of 5,057. He said: “I am delighted. There is a sense of disconnection in these communities and I want to find out what people’s issues are.” The result of the election, held on June 19, was eagerly awaited because Dartford Council is almost hung between the Conservatives and their Labour colleagues.
Re-elected councillor Jeremy Kite told assembled candidates and supporters: “With the help of all people, from all parties, we hope to achieve good things.” The three Lib Dem candidates got just 435 votes between them.
Deputy mayor of Dartford Councillor Terry Smith will step down from the position at the end of the elections. His position is expected to be filled by the re-elected Bertie Bassam.
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