Winchester City Council

Leader of Winchester City Council's Conservative group, Caroline Horrill, called on national politicians to "come together and agree a deal" over Brexit after the party lost control of the authority.

The party lost six seats to the Lib Dems.

"People love what we've had to say about what we do - we've given them glass recycling and affordable homes.

"It was the national picture that was frustrating residents. We're a 60-40 remain area and they're frustrated with all politicians who have failed to bring about a conclusion to the Brexit deal," she said.

BBC

BBC reporter Sean Dilley in Winchester Guildhall says: "With four results yet to declare, there is no result other than the Liberal Democrats will take control of Winchester for the first time since 2003. There is no way the Conservatives can come back.

"Both parties are insisting people were voting not just on Brexit but on local issues - recycling, parking, transport infrastructure.

"What is interesting, speaking to Conservative sources, they've spoken about a large number of spoilt ballot papers with general Brexit abuse."

BBC

The maths in these elections mean very few councils in Hampshire are likely to see a change in leadership.

Winchester City Council, however, is incredibly close. The Conservatives currently have control with only one more seat than the Liberal Democrats. The leader Caroline Horrill is fighting to keep her seat.

The Lib Dems are confident that an area like Winchester, which voted Remain in the EU referendum, may take a stand against the government's Brexit policy. But the Conservatives say they’re getting good feedback about their work in the city.

BBC

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The resignation of a Conservative city councillor in Winchester has triggered a by-election and temporarily left the party with no overall control.

Amber Tresahar stood down as ward member for Upper Meon Valley last week. The reason for her decision has not been made public.

Her departure leaves 22 Conservatives, 21 Liberal Democrats and one independent councillor at Winchester City Council.

The poll will be held on 20 September and residents have until 4 September to register to vote.

In May's local elections, the Liberal Democrats gained two seats, reducing the Conservative majority to one.