Updated: June 5, 2009
Tories sweep to victory in Burnham-On-Sea county council elections

Conservative Party candidates in the Burnham-On-Sea area are celebrating today (Friday June 5th) after winning all four county council seats in the area.

Peter Burridge-Clayton (pictured) won the Burnham North seat, while John Woodman clinched Highbridge and Burnham South, Mark Healey won the Huntspill ward and Alan Ham won in Brent. Click here for the full results.

It was a bad day for local Liberal Democrats, who were confident of securing at least one or more seats in the Burnham area.

In Highbridge, Lib Dem Rosemary Parsons had hoped to retain her seat - but in fact she lost by 270 votes to John Woodman. And Sedgemoor's Lib Dem leader Joe Leach also failed to win in Huntspill.

Turnout across the area was reasonably high, with a 48 per cent turnout in Burnham North, 47 per cent in Huntspill, and 46 per cent in Brent. However, fewer people in Highbridge and Burnham South voted, where turnout was 39 per cent.

John Woodman told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "I am delighted an honoured to be voted in. I have heard a clear message on the doorsteps about how voters are feeling - they feel let down and disappointed by politics. I also pay tribute to Rosemary Parsons who has served Burnham and Highbridge so well over three terms and she ran an honest and straight campaign. She leaves office with her head held high."

Peter Clayton added: "I am delighted to have been elected and I would like to thank everybody that voted for me. Mike Mansfield put up a tremendous fight and a fair one too. It is a shame one of us had to lose. I would like to thank him and every candidate from all parties who put themselves forward to serve our community. We have all experienced tough times politically. I will endeavour to work on my election pledges and I am looking forward to working with my colleagues at County Hall."

The results mean the balance of power across the county has swung from Liberal Democrats to Conservatives.

Joe Leach told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "I was happy with my campaign, it was a strong one, and I enjoyed meeting many people, so am disappointed not to have won. I wish Mark Healey all the best and hope he serves this area well."

Pictured are (top) Peter Burridge-Clayton with (beneath) Mark Healey

RELATED LINKS:

Burnham-On-Sea Election Results
Burnham-On-Sea Election 2009 guide