The Conservatives have taken control of Deal Town Council for the first time in its history.

The results for the election of town and parish councils in Deal and Dover has been announced this afternoon with eight Conservatives and seven Labour members making up Deal Town Council.

The results see mum-of-two Louise Butler elected with 1,295 votes. At 23-years-old, she is the youngest on the council followed by 28-year-old Derek Bond - son of Cllr Trevor Bond - who received 1,411 votes.

Cllr Butler said: “I’m really pleased and thankful for all the support! It’s a massive opportunity and I can’t wait to do Deal proud. I believe in grass roots and listening to what people need so I am so pleased for the chance to bring that to our council.”

Cllr Derek Bond, who has grown up in the town said: “I feel shocked but very happy. A big, big thank you to all the people who voted for me. It’s a great opportunity for people under the age of 35. It’s youth power!”

Cllr Bond, who is the head chef at Victuals & Co in St George's Passage, Deal, is looking forward to making a case to improve Freeman’s Way park and deal with pot holes in the Mill Hill area.

Former Mayor of Deal Marlene Burnham (Lab) has been re-elected with 1,438 votes, but topping the poll is Mike Eddy (Lab) with 1,904 votes.

New names include Emma Carr (Cons) who gained 1,283 votes and Dominic Harper (Lab) with 1,291 votes. They will serve Middle Deal.

Colin Hartley (Lab) and Keith Lee (Cons) will also be new to the council, representing Mill Hill and newbie Peter Inch is the only Labour councillor for North Deal.

The new council (listed in full below) will meet on Monday, May 18 for the annual meeting of the council when a new mayor will be elected.

Middle Deal Ward:
Trevor Bond (Cons) - 1,465
Marlene Burnham (Lab) - 1,438
Emma Carr (Cons) - 1,283
David Cronk (Lab) - 1,323
Dominic Harper (Lab) - 1,291

Mill Hill Ward:
Ben Bano (Lab) - 1,666
Derek Bond (Cons) - 1,411
Michael Eddy (Lab) - 1,904
Colin Hartley (Lab) - 1,678
Keith Lee (Cons) - 1,202

North Deal Ward:
Louise Butler (Cons) - 1,295
Wayne Elliott (Cons) - 1,291
Adrian Friend (Cons) - 1,307
Bob Frost (Cons) - 1,218
Peter Inch (Lab) - 1,255

See the East Kent Mercury, out on Thursday, for a full list of parish councillors.