BYFLEET & WEST BYFLEET ward voters showed little regard for the traditional political 'establishment' as residents filled their ward seats with three Independent candidates.
The ‘Three B’s’ as they called themselves on their campaign trail stormed to victory in Friday’s count at the HG Wells Centre, with Cllr Bond (1,474) closely followed by new Cllrs Boote (1,385) and Bridgeman (1,123).
Cllr Bond told the News & Mail: “The gypsy site fiasco certainly affected the result but we have felt excluded all round. Housing and flooding issues have been neglected and the response has been as such that people have said enough is enough.
“I have great respect for Richard Wilson (beaten Conservative councillor) and hope we will be working together.”
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“I would like to thank Byfleeters (the fourth ‘Bee’) for their tremendous support. We have shown our passion as we are a self-funded campaign.”
Mary Bridgeman was unavailable for comment as she was away on holiday.
BYFLEET & WEST BYFLEET RESULTS: BOND John (Independent): 1,474 BOOTE Amanda (Independent): 1,385 BRIDGEMAN Mary Ann (Independent): 1,123 ELSON Gary (Conservative): 929 GRIMSHAW Andrew (Liberal Democrat): 582 READ Karon (Liberal Democrat): 534 ROBERTS Anne (Liberal Democrat): 724 SCOTT Pauline (Conservative): 933 WILLETTS Neil (UKIP): 295 WILSON Richard (Conservative): 1,011 *(10 rejected ballots)