LOCAL ELECTIONS 2018: Tory leader hails victory in Amber Valley

Councillor Kevin Buttery, the representative for Kilburn, Denby and Holbrook, says that his party swept to victory due to its members’ work in the borough’s communities.

The election on Thursday, May 3, saw the Conservatives increase their majority on the authority from a one-seat to a five-seat majority.

Prior to the election, the Tories held the authority by  23 councillors to 22.

Coun Buttery said: “This is a clear show of support from the people themselves, we have increased our majority to five, and that could be because of a number of things.

“But take Heanor for example, it is our work there with the community organising things like litter picks which I think has made a real difference, that is clear.

“People have put a lot of energy into the campaign and we have made it clear that we care about local issues, and people faith in us to continue what we are doing.

“We had been hearing on the doorstep how much people valued things like our work in Heanor with the litter picks.

“Now we can take stock and make more plans for the future, and make sure that we continue providing for the people of Amber Valley.”

The Labour Party gained a seat off the Tories in Belper East but the Conservatives gained in Heanor East, Heanor West and Ripley – all from Labour – to strengthen their grip on Amber Valley.