Another fantastic Election Day for Welwyn Hatfield Liberal Democrats saw them gain a third County seat, come within 50 votes of smashing the Conservative grip on Panshanger Ward in the By-Election, and beat Labour into third place overall, both in number of seats and in the popular vote.

The three happy candidates were Paul Zukowskyj in Hatfield South, who successfully defended the seat he first won in 2009, gaining over 50% of the votes; Nigel Quinton, who gained 48% of the votes taking over as County Councillor for Handside & Peartree from Malcolm Cowan; and Barbara Gibson, standing in her first ever election, who stormed through from third place to win Haldens from the Conservative incumbent by 98 votes with 37% of the votes.

Ayesha Rohale, who stood in the Panshanger By-Election came just 53 votes short of Conservative ex-WH Times editor Terry Mitchinson, with Labour a long way back in third.

Welwyn Hatfield now has three LibDem county councillors, three Conservative, and two Labour.

Speaking after the Count, they had this to say:

Nigel Quinton: “I’d just like to thank Malcolm for all the work he has put into being a County Councillor for the past 12 years. My majority of 818 votes is entirely down to his efforts on behalf of the people of Handside & Peartree and I just hope I can live up to his example.”

Paul Zukowskyj: “I’m absolutely delighted to continue as the Councillor for Hatfield South, and I’m very humbled by the resounding endorsement residents have given me.”

Barbara Gibson: “In Haldens Division, this election was about residents being fed up with not being listened to by their elected representatives. People are tired of monopoly-like behaviour and fake consultations that ignore their concerns. They sent a clear message that it’s time for a change, and I’m looking forward to championing their issues.”