Heuch misses out in Charing vote

10.41.01pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 20th Feb 2006

Jon Heuch

Jon Heuch, Liberal Democrat candidate for the recently vacated Ashford Borough Council seat of Charing, has missed out in his bid to become the areas new local representative.

"Obviously I am disappointed" said Jon following the count "but on a day where turnout was going to be critical we were fighting an uphill battle once we learned that the election would be in the middle of the half term holidays."

Turnout in the end struggled to make it over the 30% mark as only 589 people cast their vote from a total electorate of 1945 people.

"I wish my Conservative opponent well. Both myself and the Liberal Democrat team have identified a number of issues that a great number of people are concerned about. As the official opposition in Charing we will be scrutinising our new Conservative councillor over the next few years to ensure he always fights to get the best for the people of this area."

The final declared result was Conservative, 419, Jon Heuch, Liberal Democrats, 126, Labour 39.