TOPSHAM county council election candidate Andrew Leadbetter has retained his seat - with a 1,186 majority. The result means the conservative party hold onto the ward. Mr Leadbetter has now been in office for 12 years. The win increased the margin to whic

TOPSHAM county council election candidate Andrew Leadbetter has retained his seat - with a 1,186 majority.

The result means the conservative party hold onto the ward. Mr Leadbetter has now been in office for 12 years.

The win increased the margin to which he triumphed by ahead of the second-placed election candidate in 2005 by 366 votes. His majority then was 820.

This time round Mr Leadbetter achieved 1,929 votes. Sandra Barrett, of the Lib Dems, was second with 743, closely followed by Margaret Eleanor Danks, of the Liberal Party.

Mr Leadbetter, after the result of the elections on June 4, said he was delighted to have been re-elected.

He added: "It has always been a pleasure to work for, and help the residents of Topsham and St Loyes, and to be involved with all the schools and associations in the ward.

"Looking to the future, the Conservative administration will now work towards honouring its election commitments such as keeping council tax down.

"This will also include campaigning for better funding for schools; better care for elderly and disabled people and a range of other improvements to improve the lives of our residents."

Mr Leadbetter said it was pleasing to have been part of a team which had enabled the county council to return to Conservative control for the first time in 20 years.

"I'm delighted to have been re-elected, with all but 50% of the vote, which must mean I'm doing something right - or at least listening, and trying to do my best," he explained.

Voter turnout, however, in Topsham dropped by 30 per cent compared with the 2005 local elections. Only 44 per cent of the 8,844 electorate cast their vote.

Sandra Barrett, reflecting on the result, said: "I would like to thank the people of Topsham and St Loyes for voting for me.

"The Liberal Democrats will continue to work in the area through their focus group and aim to listen to the people and keep them informed regarding the issues which concern them.

"We will work with all parties to achieve the best for people in the ward.