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Top Conservatives lose seats in dramatic election results
Four top Tories have lost their seats at North Somerset Council. (Clockwise from top-left: Elfan Ap Rees, David Pasley, Jan Barber and Felicity Baker.) - Credit: Archant
Several high-profile Conservative councillors have lost their seats in a day of election drama.
The political make-up of North Somerset Council has dramatically changed, with the Tories suffering significant loses.
Four members of the Conservatives executive administration failed to win re-election: deputy leader Elfan Ap Rees, Felicity Baker, Jan Barber and David Pasley.
Dawn Payne, who was executive member for adult social services, did not seek re-election.
The Conservatives’ 36-strong council has been cut down to just 13.
Mr Pasley, the former executive member for finance and Portishead East councillor, blamed Brexit for his party’s poor showing locally and nationally.
He said: “This is absolutely about Brexit and Theresa May - everyone has asked us when are we getting rid of her.
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“It’s got nothing to do with local politics and it’s a shame people have clouded the issue.”
Council leader Nigel Ashton held on to Gordano Valley.
Mr Ap Rees failed to show at the count, which was held at Hutton Moor Leisure Centre.
