A FRENZY of activity echoed through Sevenoaks as once again the Conservatives gained control.

In the 26 wards, however the Conservatives were given a run for their money,

especially from Labour and the Liberal Democrats.

In Farningham, Horton Kirby and South Darenth ward the Liberal Democrats

gained control wiping out Conservative councillor candidates Michael Busfield and Peter Johnson.

Liberal Democrat councillor Tony Searles for the ward said: "This is a real achievement for the Liberal Democrats.

"Many of the voters in Farningham four years ago voted Conservative and now they have voted for us.

"We have worked really hard for this day."

Cllr Searles also spoke of the dedication of his colleague Philip McGarvey.

Since the last local elections the votes within this ward for the Lib Dems

has risen from three votes to a majority of 200.

Councillor Roger Walshe, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: "This is really good news for the party.

"I suppose the only downside of tonight is such a good councillor as Tony Bent, Lib Dem ward councillor for Halstead, Knockholt and Badgers Mount, did not get in and the dirty tricks that were played throughout the campaign by the Conservatives."

The Conservatives took a fresh approach to politics.

21-year-old Timothy Ayres, the youngest member to stand in a Sevenoaks

District Council election, stood for the Swanley, Christchurch and Swanley

Village but was pipped to the post by Labour candidates David Coates, Michael Hogg and Michael Tuke.

Robert Brookbank, also standing as Conservative for the Swanley Christchurch

and Swanley Village said: "It is a shame there has been such a low turn out

tonight.

"We should utilise the postal vote, text messaging and bring in a similar

system for voting as they do on the Big Brother TV series."

The Independent party also gained two seats in Hextable.

Councillors Geoff Blaxall and Dee Morris beat Labour candidates Lesley Dyball and Godfrey Hill.

Cllr Blaxall said: "I am glad to remain as councillor for Hextable and to be

working with Dee Morris."

Mayor of Swanley Frank Parker and his wife Anne Parker won the Labour battle

against the Independents in Swanley St Mary's ward.