by Hayley Robinson

The local elections marked the end of an era for one councillor.

Lib Dem leader Elvie Lowe lost her Milton Regis seat after 24 years.

And in a bittersweet moment, the 64-year-old will be made Honorary Alderwoman by Swale council next Tuesday.

The rare title will be awarded in recognition of the valuable service she has given to the local authority over the years.

She said: "I’m very pleased although I’m not quite sure what it will allow me to do."

Elvie admits her defeat came "as a bit of a blow".

"Twenty-four years is a heck of a long time," she said.

"The tears come when people are nice to me.

"I can walk around Milton Regis and in nearly every road I have made a difference. I have left my stamp behind if you like."

She believes her political demise is a reflection of what is happening nationally with the Liberal Democrats’ decline in popularity.

She said: "Nationally we have been let down.

"I tried to explain that I don’t have any control over this; that I am a hard-working local councillor and you can kick me out if you like, but kick me out on my record not what’s happening nationally.

"But people can’t separate the two, I still believe in the ethos of the party and stand by it."

Speaking about what is next for her, she said: "I’ve not thought about it. I’m still licking my wounds.

"I was leader of the political group so I can’t do that but I’ll be working in the background.

"I will be chairman of Home-Start from mid June so that will take up some of my time.

"I don’t know if I’ll go to another election. It’s four years off and I shall be one year away from 70."

There was more drama in the elections when one of the Murston seats was decided after SIX recounts. For the full town picture, see this week’s Sittingbourne Messenger.