THE Basingstoke branch leader of the Women's Equality Party has celebrated her success at the latest elections.

The Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council elections took place on Friday, May 5 at Hampshire Court Hotel.

It left the Conservative party with 23 of the 54 seats. Labour holds 10 seats, the Independent Forum holds 12 and the Liberal Democrats hold nine.

Stacy Hart lost out on a seat with 925 votes to Cllr Dan Putty's (Conservative) 1,000 in the Hatch Warren and Beggarwood ward.

Speaking after the results she said: "I did incredibly well and I am absolutely ecstatic, it was very close.

READ MORE: New faces join Basingstoke borough council after election

"I think what that demonstrates is that residents in Hatch Warren and Beggarwood are ready for change and ready to be served by someone who is dedicated and works hard for them.

"They want that change very clearly in the form of someone new and someone fresh, someone collaborative and that is what today's vote has shown."

She continued: "It is a testament to the work we have done. The 18 months of hard work and graft is what has really shone through for people. I think in only two years to come this far with a party that barely anyone had heard of is a huge triumph."

Following the elections, no party has control over Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council following the latest elections.