THE Green Party succeeded in winning a seat at South Lakeland District Council for the first time in its history at Thursday’s local elections.

Following a recount, Judy Filmore won a place in the Ulverston West ward by just 8 votes, edging out Conservative Amanda Rigg.

Ms Filmore said: “We have made history tonight... We can now make sure that the council is accountable to their climate change challenge.”

In Ulverston East, Labour councillor Shirley-Ann Wilson held on to her seat.

Elsewhere, the Liberal Democrats tightened their grip on the council, gaining seats in Broughton & Coniston, Sedbergh & Kirkby Lonsdale, and Furness Peninsula; all at the expense of Conservative candidates. Dave Khan also retained his seat in Grange.

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Ian Charles Wharton, newly-elected councillor for Broughton & Coniston, said: “I’m exhilarated. It’s been a hard battle... I couldn’t have done it without the support of my team of course.”

However, while the Greens and the Lib Dems were toasting their victories, the Conservatives were left to lick their wounds. Ben Berry, leader of the South Lakes Conservatives and councillor for Windermere, referred to Brexit when explaining his party’s losses on the night:

“I think what’s become clear during this campaign is that people are angry with our rotten parliament who refused to deliver on the will of the people,” he said, adding:

“We still have a fantastic base of support. Some of the results were incredibly close. And when the national picture improves - given our local actions - we’re sure to bounce back.”

The only two candidates not to be affiliated with the Lib Dems, Labour, Tories or the Greens, were UKIP’s Alan Piper, vying for a seat in the Broughton & Coniston ward, and Graham Vincent, who was recently deselected by the Liberal Democrats and ran as an independent for Kendal West. Both performed poorly however, and this ends Mr Vincent’s 20 year tenure as a South Lakeland District councillor.

The overall turnout was 45.06%, down slightly from last year.

Lancaster City Council are counting today, Friday, with results expected to be declared around 4.30pm.

Eden District Council are also counting today and Craven District Council results are expected shortly.