Seagulls fail to win council seat

The party was created by disgruntled Brighton and Hove Albion supporters who are angry at Lewes District Council's opposition to Falmer stadium plans.

But Seagull Ed Bassford declared himself unbowed.

The Lewes District Council by-election for the Ouse Valley and Ringmer ward was held on Thursday last week following the recent death of Independent councillor John Fletcher.

Mr Bassford, who lives in Firle, received 359 votes and said afterwards: 'It was a very good result. Both main parties were surprised at the degree of support I generated.

'Many voted for me to express their support for a new stadium at Falmer and because I live locally; but others gave me the nod because they are fed up with the main political parties.'

He said the Seagulls were heartened by the result and were planning a full campaign in the Lewes District Council full elections next May.

The winner of the by-election was retired civil engineer Peter Gardiner, a LibDem.

He said: 'It was a good outcome for us. It is a vindication of all our hard work opposing the proposed incinerator in Newhaven.

'I shall be concerned about environmental matters and also about addressing the need for more affordable housing in the area.'

Results:

Peter Frederick Gardiner, Liberal Democrat, 715 votes, elected.

Paul Eric Gander, Conservative Party, 521.

Edward Bassford, Seagulls Party candidate, 359 votes.

Trevor Hugh Hopper, Labour Party, 41.

The turn-out was 33.41 per cent.