EAST Hampshire Conservative candidates in the Hampshire County Council elections held their seats comfortably, with up and coming Conservatives seamlessly replacing those who stepped down.

In the Petersfield Butser ward Conservative Rob Mocatta from East Meon picked up the reins from retiring councillor Ken Moon.

Cllr Mocatta, also an East Hampshire district councillor, polled 2,760 votes to become the elected Hampshire county councillor for the ward.

He said: “I look forward to representing everyone whatever their politics.”

Liberal Democrat David Podger, polled 1,425 votes, Labours’ Helen Bolitho of Charles Street in Petersfield, 431, Roger Wallsgrove, Green Party, 413, and James Makin UKIP, 268.

In the Petersfield Hangers ward, political newcomer Russell Oppenheimer, Conservative, collected 3,243 votes, to take over from retiring Conservative councillor Vaughan Clarke.

Cllr Oppenheimer said: “I would like to thank Vaughan for all his generous help, he will be a hard act to follow.”

Louise Bevan, Liberal Democrat, polled 1,221 votes, Howard Linsley, Labour, 462, Peter Bissett, Green Party, 319, Malcolm Bint, UKIP, 168, Steve Whiting, The Justice and Anti Corruption Party, 44.

Conservative Floss Mitchell comfortably won the Liphook, Headley and Grayshott seat, getting 3,021 votes, her nearest rival Liberal Democrat Trevor Maroney gaining 1,353.

Cllr Mitchell said: “It is a tremendous honour to be elected for a second time.”

In the Catherington ward Conservative Marge Harvey also secured a second term as the wards’ county councillor, polling 3,204 votes.

She said: “I would like to thank everyone who supported me during my campaign, especially my husband.”

Adam Carew was re-elected for a fourth time as county councillor for the Whitehill, Bordon and Lindford ward, gaining 1,822 votes.

He said: ”I am staggered by the result, and by the faith of the people of the ward who re-elected me again.”

Alton also remained solidly Conservative with Mark Kemp-Gee winning the rural ward, and Andrew Joy the town seat, for the blues.

The election results from across Hampshire are available by going to the Local Elections page on the Hampshire County Council website www.hants.gov.uk