The first Women's Equality Party (WEP) borough councillor in the UK has been elected in Basingstoke. 

On Thursday, May 2, thousands of residents headed to the polls to vote in the local elections. 

In Hatch Warren & Beggarwood, Stacy Hart was elected with 1,659 votes (61.6% of the vote) gaining the seat from Conservatives.

As the result was announced, Loddon Vale Indoor Bowling Club erupted into cheers - the biggest of the whole election count. 

UPDATES: Basingstoke and Deane election results as Conservatives lose seven wards

Speaking to the Gazette, Ms Hart said: "I feel absolutely thrilled to have won the very first borough council seat for the WEP today. 

"I would like to thank our volunteer team and everyone who worked incredibly hard to do this. This is a victory that doesn't belong to me, it is born of years of hard work by many, many people. 

"I would like to thank the other political parties locally who have worked with us, and want to collaborate together for the good of the residents. 

"I especially want to thank the residents of Hatch Warren and Beggarwood who have put their faith in me and who have given me this privilege. I promise we will keep up the work and earn every vote every day."

She added: "I think people are ready for change, they are ready for equality and political operatives who do things differently. Who work collaboratively and proactively for the good of residents. I think people are ready for something new and different." 

The WEP has previously won seats on town and parish councils, but this is their most important victory in the nine years since the party was founded by broadcaster Sandi Toksvig and journalist Catherine Mayer.