Long night full of surprises

I was absolutely stunned by the support I received in yesterday's poll, winning the Fant elections with 10% the ward's vote (taking one in three of the votes cast).

Throughout the election campaign, I have worked hard to deliver leaflets to all 6,200 voters in the area, and I have knocked on almost 1,200 houses since November last year. On polling day I was working alone, as I have throughout most the campaign, so I was unable to do telling or deliver "vote today" leaflets like the other parties did. Despite this, I managed to pull off a safe majority of 117 votes in the only ward that voted against Ann Widdecombe at the last general election!

Fant was blessed with four very good quality candidates to choose from, and I hope they will consider fighting for seats that become vacant in the future. I would like to pay tribute to Morel D'Souza, my predecessor, who has done a huge service to Fant over his many years as a councillor. I hope the next two years are a rare opportunity for him to have a break, dust himself off, and return to fight again at the next election. Likewise, I hope the greens are not put off by this defeat - they still have a part to play in Maidstone.

I would like to thank my friend Carl, who braved many rainy evenings since my appointment in November, to help me deliver leaflets across the ward. I am also in deep gratitude to Sue Dishman, my election agent, who has advised me and helped me print leaflets.

This weekend is going to be a much deserved time off, then Monday I get to work!