Covid restrictions meant it was a very different election count in Buxton's Pavilion Gardens on Friday as the High Peak seats on Derbyshire County Council were determined.
With attendance numbers limited, protective screens around the counters and social distancing, it was a much more subdued atmosphere.
The Glossop and Charlesworth division, with two seats available, was the last to be decided. Damien Greenhalgh gained a seat for Labour while Conservative Jean Wharmby successfully defended her seat.
Damien said: “A big thank you to everyone who voted I am honoured that I topped the poll, but it is bitter-sweet as my colleague Gerry (Dominey) didn’t get the last few voted to get there.
“I will use the position to stand up for Glossop, like I always have, and hold the Conservative administration at Matlock to account.”
Delighted to be re-elected, Jean said: “I am really pleased to get back in and am happy to represent Glossop and Charlesworth again.
“It will have its challenges, but I will be there as a voice for the people of Glossop.”
The first result of the day saw Conservative Linda Grooby (pictured below) retain her seat in the Buxton North and East division.
She had been defending a majority of just 27 but saw that increase to 209 by polling 1,559 votes, with Labour’s Caitlin Bisknell second with 1,350 votes.
Linda said: “I will continue to work as hard as I possibly can for my residents. I have always thought a big part of being a councillor is helping residents with their problems.”
In the Etherow division, Becki Woods retained her seat for Labour but her majority fell from 411 to 124.
“I’m delighted to have been re-elected,” said Becki. “I feel I fought a clean and honest battle and didn’t resort to underhand tactics and name calling like some of my opponents.
“Overall, honesty and hard work won the day, and I am very pleased and delighted to represent the fantastic people of Etherow.”
The battle of the former MPs saw Labour’s Ruth George retain the Whaley Bridge seat she won in a by-election last year, beating Conservative Edwina Currie Jones by 666 votes.
Ruth said: “I am absolutely delighted. I have worked very hard over the last year as councillor to do my very best for people across Whaley Bridge and Blackbrook.
“I am very grateful to everyone who has recognised that hard work and appreciated it and have given me their support for another four years in the role.
“I have so many projects I would like to take forward now including the Peak Forest Tramway, our community speed watch and some work with young people in Whaley Bridge.”
In New Mills, long-standing Liberal Democrat councillor Beth Atkins lost to Labour’s Anne Marie Clarke, who won the seat with a massive 651 majority. Beth had been defending a 577 majority and was surprised by the result.
She said: “We had no idea. We hadn’t picked up on it, but it happens.”
Buxton West saw Conservatives' Tony Kemp retain his seat with a slightly reduced majority.
The Conservatives retained the Chapel and Hope Valley division, with Nigel Gourlay being elected to the county council. The Green Party pushed Labour into third.
Nigel said: “I am absolutely relieved it is over and I have won. It has been along campaign and I am very glad for people who voted for me and of course will try and work for everyone in the division.”
Nigel Gourlay
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