BASINGSTOKE and Deane Borough Council remains a true blue Conservative stronghold – but Labour members are also celebrating after the party made gains in the local elections.

Labour now have two more councillors after Gary Watts won back the South Ham seat he lost to the Conservatives in 2008 and newcomer Carolyn Wooldridge snatched Brighton Hill North from the Liberal Democrats by fewer than 50 votes.

Borough residents went to the polls last Thursday in the biggest test of public opinion since last year’s General Election which saw the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats form a power-sharing Government. There were 21 seats up for grabs, including a by-election in Popley East.

Independent Martin Biermann was delighted to retain his Chineham seat following a fierce battle with the Conservatives. Cllr Biermann beat Tory John Downes by 1,335 votes to 1,252.

Cllr Biermann is now the most senior member on the council and has the option to take the role of mayor, but he told The Gazette he wishes to serve as deputy for a year before deciding if he can take up the time-consuming and demanding role of first citizen.

That leaves the door open for Tadley South member Cllr David Leeks, who was in line to be deputy mayor, and he is now expected to be voted into the mayoral role for 2011-12 later this month.

Current deputy mayor Phil Heath, who had been due to take the mayor’s role last year before being blocked by the ruling Tories, opted against standing for re-election in Hatch Warren and Beggarwood, claiming the ruling Conservatives would never allow him to be mayor.

The Conservatives took full advantage, with Tory Rebecca Bean easing to victory over Ruth Day (Lib Dem) and Carl Reader (Labour). She collected more than 1,700 votes and, at 22, is the youngest member of the council. She said she hopes to add a fresh perspective to the Conservative group.

Other new faces on the council include 24-year-old Shelley Phelps, who comfortably took Popley East for Labour. A by-election was called in the ward after Mary Brian resigned earlier this year to care for her husband, who has Alzheimer’s.

Conservative new boy Stephen Peach claimed Winklebury despite a strong challenge from former Labour ward member Lea Jeff while Liberal Democrat stalwarts Stuart Parker and Ron Hussey both gained resounding victories in Eastrop and Grove respectively.

The closest battle of the night saw Conservative Graham Round retain his Baughurst and Tadley North seat, pipping former borough mayor Warwick Lovegrove (Liberal Democrat) by just 30 votes.

The results mean the Conservatives have retained their majority on the council, keeping 34 members, the Liberal Democrats have 13 and Labour 11. There are also two independent councillors. Turnout across the borough was 45 per cent.