Tunbridge Wells Borough Council elections: Cabinet member Brian Ransley loses seat to Lib Dems

CONTROVERSIAL Tory cabinet member Brian Ransley has lost his seat on Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.

In the local elections, Mr Ransley's Capel seat was won by the Lib Dems.

Mr Ransley is no stranger to controversy. Last year he was reported by Town Hall staff for alleged breaches of conduct, which were not upheld. They included his  reporting of the council to police over its setting up of the Tunbridge Wells Regeneration Company. 

In March his own party also failed to endorse him as a candidate for this year's elections.

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That decision was later overturned but that u-turn will raise questions after this morning's defeat.

Hugh Patterson won the seat for the Lib Dems with 340 votes to Mr Ransley's 298. The Lib Dems will be delighted with their high-profile scalp.

Last week Mr Ransley, who had responsibility for planning and transport on the cabinet, told the Courier he had only a 50/50 chance of retaining his seat.

"I think a lot of people know me and a lot of others have heard of me," he said. "No one has said out door-knocking  'you're that trouble maker from the Town Hall'."

He admitted there was apathy about the Government which could cost Conservative  and the Lib Dems votes but that local people "know I have done a pretty fair job".

He added: "Labour will pick up votes from probably both of us. It's possible Labour might do in some of the less affluent areas and certainly as far as democracy is concerned, that Labour is putting up candidates for every seat must be a good thing."

He added: "Conservatives could lose some votes but it's more to the left that might lose more.

"I think it's more concern where UKIP  is fielding candidates.  That would worry our agent more than the presence of Labour. UKIP might not win a seat but they will determine first past the post."

Asked if the fall-outs between officers and some of his Conservative members meant some hoped he lost his seat, he said:  "Let's put it this way.  I think most people know the campaign against me came from a particular source – although I have not defended myself – and I don't intend to."