A ‘LIBERAL revival’ was predicted in this year’s local elections from the current council chairman and that is exactly what happened.
Thousands of residents in the district cast their votes on who they wanted to represent their wards in the local elections.
The results saw a big rise in Liberal Democrats being elected, with the number going from just one to six.
Current Maldon District Council chairman Bob Boyce had said: “I think there’s going to be a massive Liberal revival.
“Apart from Paula Spenceley we haven’t had someone Liberal on the council for about 27 years.”
He had also predicted the Conservatives would face "significant" losses, but there was no major collapse with the Tories slipping from 12 seats to ten.
One area which did see a significant change in this year’s election was Heybridge.
The Heybridge East ward went from being entirely Conservative to Liberal Democrat.
Heybridge West went from being part Conservative and part Independent to fully Liberal Dem.
Liberal Democrat Paula Lorraine Spenceley kept her seat in Heybridge West and Lib Dem Simon John Burwood was also elected.
Heybridge East saw Lib Dems Nick Spenceley and Nikki Swindle elected.
The group said they are “excited to be able to work together for the first time”.
Maldon East saw current Maldon town mayor Andrew Lay elected for the seat.
The Independent said he was excited about the challenge of being a district councillor.
He said: “I am pleased and honoured to represent the ward of Maldon East.
“People tell me it will be a lot different from the town council but I am looking forward to it.
“I’ve had about five years’ experience in the town council now and am ready to start at the district council.
“The town council has lost so many councillors, just like the district council, there have been a lot of changes.
“I look forward to working with the staff at the district council.”
One ward which saw no change was Maldon South, where independent councillors Kevin Lagan and Jeanette Stilts were both re-elected.
Mr Lagan said: "People put their trust in you and we are grateful for the people who vote for us.
"In the last four years, we have done a lot for our ward and we're really getting somewhere.
"We hope for a collaborative and cohesive council in the future."
Ms Stilts said: "It's an honour to work for our local residents again and I'm looking forward to continuing our work."
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