CONSERVATIVE’S Andy Stafford believes his nine month campaign in Claines caused UKIP’s support to ‘evaporate’, helping him to win the seat in the Worcestershire County Council elections.
Coun Stafford claimed 1,543 votes to take the seat off the Liberal Democrats, as their candidate Mel Allcott came runner-up with 1,096 votes.
UKIP, who secured 524 votes under Stephen Delevante in 2013, only picked up 99 votes this time round under Mark Hulme.
“I think the residents of Claines chose to vote Conservative as we’ve listened to their concerns and dealt with local issues. Four years ago there was a large UKIP vote, but that’s evaporated and I imagine a fair chunk of those votes came our way,” said coun Stafford.
“It’s very pleasing and shows the work we’ve done since back in August. It’s not been a two month campaign and we’ve covered a lot of miles and knocked on every door. I’m happy the input we’ve put in has paid off.
“You can’t take anything for granted and I think our campaign played a part in the result. I’ve had my ups and downs. At moments I’ve been confident, but I’ve also had some doubts.
“But I’ve been on the City Council for two years now so hopefully I’ve proven to residents that I have their best interests at heart.
“I’ll keep remaining active and available in the area and will respond to the issues and concerns residents raise.
“There was a lot of issues raised during the campaign regarding highways, so I’ll be getting stuck in with those straight away,” he added.
