ALTON voters re-elected Tories Andrew Joy and Mark Kemp-Gee as their county council representatives for the next four years last Friday – but only after a hair-raising recount in the Town division.

After a campaign severely disrupted by Covid restrictions, Cllr Joy and his nearest rival, Lib Dem Steve Hunt, were separated by just 79 votes – prompting Cllr Hunt to request a recount.

But after this failed to bridge the gap, East Hampshire’s returning officer Gill Kneller declared Cllr Joy the victor.

“It has been a tough, challenging election campaign in difficult circumstances with no door-knocking, no debates and no face-to-face discussion,” said Cllr Joy, who was first elected in 2009.

“I pay tribute to Alton’s residents for their strong community spirit and concern for the vulnerable amongst us, demonstrated with passion and commitment throughout the pandemic.

“We are a caring community in a caring county so, after 12 years as your county councillor, I am pleased and privileged to have been re-elected to continue to serve you, the residents of the town I call home.”

It was a more comfortable election for Cllr Kemp-Gee in the Alton Rural division, as the Tory candidate polled 63 per cent of the vote, beating Lib Dem Roland Richardson by some 2,544 votes.

Cllr Kemp-Gee said: “I am delighted to have been re-elected and am most grateful to the substantial number of residents who voted for me.

“My priorities remain to encourage local investment, support our nine primary schools, protect the countryside – and oppose the Wey Valley incinerator – and to improve the health and well-being of all of us.

“I will continue to respond vigorously to residents concerns and aspirations and, above all, serve and cherish the 16 parishes and communities that make up our wonderful landscape.”