TORY council leader Trevor Egleton was the most high profile victim of Tory losses at South Bucks District Council.

Although South Bucks remained solidly Conservative, other senior Tories, including Bucks County Council chairman Rex Lingham-Wood and long-serving councillor Cyril Hogarth, also lost their seats.

Tories claimed the prized scalp of Liberal Democrat Paul Henry who was defeated in Beaconsfield South.

Beaconsfield Tories were jubilant at their council success and their clean sweep in that ward.

"Four years ago these seats were held by the Liberal Democrats. Now it is all Tory," said re-elected councillor Anne Main.

Lib Dems lost two councillors but only gained one. Independents made strong gains in the town and district council elections.

In Gerrards Cross East and Denham South West unknown Independent Lyn Tofari snatched victory.

She said: "People were really positive on the doorstep although I would like to have seen more turn out. People feel they want far more done for them."

She said issues included fly tipping, speeding and crime and added: "Tesco was not the issue on doorsteps I thought it would be."

In Beaconsfield Town Council elections, Beaconsfield Independent Electors Association made strong gains.

Cllr Archie Legg said: "I think everything has gone very well. It's a big swing. We fielded six candidates and we have got six seats. I am pleased I got more votes than anybody else."

Turnout varied between 26 per cent and 30 per cent for the north wards of South Bucks District Council, for which the count was held at The Curzon Centre in Beaconsfield.

Across the whole council, Conservatives have 33 seats, Liberal Democrats one and Independents six seats, with no Labour councillors.

May 2, 2003 12:00