Starting the Road Back - in Farningham, Horton Kirby and South Darenth.

In a seat where we had not stood for election in over a decade, Liberal Democrats this week started on the road back.

Despite being trolled by the Tories as 'irrelevant' during the campaign, the result showed that Lib Dems are the main challengers to Conservatives in this part of Kent. Labour came third in all three villages covered by the District Council ward.

Krish Shanmuganathan and Lib Dem leader Merilyn Canet protecting the Green Belt

Thursday's Farningham, Horton Kirby & South Darenth (Sevenoaks) result was:

CON: 542 55.7% (-1.7)

LDEM: 260 26.7% (+26.7)

LAB: 171 17.6% (-5.6)

The big issues in the election were:

- opposition to 2500 new houses in "New Farningham" as part of the Tory Council's local plan .... which the Tory candidate campaigned against!

- complaints of noise and parking problems at Horton Kirby's biggest pub, which the Tory candidate won't be able speak or vote on at the Council because he lives next door and has a rejudicial interest.

Krish Shanmuganathan, the Lib Dem candidate, has played a major role in the community effort to oppose 'New Farningham' which would swamp all three villages - and he will continue to do so