THE Labour group leader on Hartlepool Borough Council, Christopher Akers-Belcher, narrowly retained his Foggy furze seat by 80 votes. He received 828 votes, to UKIP’s Darren Price who polled 748 while Local Conservative candidate Bill Reeve came third with 268 votes.

He said: “I’m really pleased with the result. I came into the building with a majority of Labour councillors and I’ve left it with a majority of Labour councillors. It just goes to show that if you are a good community councillor, you will be returned."

Labour made one gain on the night, with Dave Hunter taking the Burn Valley ward from Independent councillor Jonathan Brash, who stood down.

The party also held five seats, and lost two of them – Harbour and Jesmond to UKIP.

However, it was a good night for UKIP as they secured three more seat on the council, taking the party’s total to five, when Bob Buchan, Shane Moore and John Tennant were elected in their respective wards.

The council is now made up of Labour, 21 seats; UKIP 5 seats; Local Conservatives 3 seats; Independent 2 seats; and Putting Hartlepool First also with two seats.