Election Summary:

Local election voting occurred on 1 May 2008 with the votes counted through the night at the Swale Leisure Centre in Sittingbourne. The results are now in. The Conservatives hold 57% of local seats, Labour 19%, Lib Dems 11% and Independents 13%. 33.2% of Swales electorate voted.

16 Seats were up for election (of a total of 47 seats). Results are:

The party profile of the councils total of 47 seats now looks like this:

Therefore, the Conservatives hold 57% of total seats, Labour 19%, Lib Dems 11% and Independents 13%.

In Swale Labour and the Liberal Democrats both lost one seat each. The Conservative party has increased its majority by one seat and there is a new Sheppey First councillor. 

At the next executive meeting on 7 May, the post of leader will be discussed in order to make a recommendation to Council.

In 2007 the composition of the council was: 25 Conservative, 10 Labour, 6 Liberal Democrat, 5 Independent Group and 1 Independent. Executive was led by Cllr Andrew Bowles, Conservative.

Notes:

* It is assumed that the Sheppey First councillor will join the Independent Group.

** The 2007 Independent Councillor later moved to the Conservative party so Conservative gain calculated as 25 +1seats in 2007 vs 27 seats in 2008 implying a one seat gain.  

(Friday 2 May 2008)

 Details below: