So, the Conservative candidate held the seat for the Tories with 47.6% of the votes (422). The Liberal Democrats came second with 174 votes followed by Labour (124), UKIP (92) and English Democrats (75) Turnout was 18.6% which, given the weather was wet and very cold, is not surprising.
Low turnout usually favours the Tories in Tunbridge Wells, particularly as they are reputed to have the best postal vote organisation. However, given the turmoil the party is in Tunbridge Wells over de-selection of candidates and a vote of no confidence in the council leader by Conservative councillors they did well to hold the seat with a big majority. The Conservative candidate castigated the Council for being 'arrogant' in its handling of proposals for the regeneration of Sherwood.
The Liberal Democrats did reasonably well as did Labour given the traumas in both parties nationally.
The surprise was 8.4% of the poll going to the English Democrats contesting their first ever seat in Tunbridge Wells. The ED candidate has a long history of successful community activism which undoubtedly helped the party's showing in the poll.
UKIP has fought this seat before and made no progress.
Overall, the Tories will be pleased to have held the seat with a very comfortable majority and the English Democrats will be happy with their share of the poll. Labour and the Liberal Democrats were not humiliated but have a lot of work to do if they hope to win the seat at the May 2011 election.
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