This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-22354833

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
UKIP wins first Kent County Council victories UKIP wins first Kent County Council victories but Tories hold control
(about 2 hours later)
The UK Independence Party has eight councillors after winning its first ever victories in the Kent County Council elections. The Conservatives have held control of Kent County Council but with a much-reduced majority after the UK Independence Party won 15 seats.
UKIP previously held one seat on the Conservatives controlled authority after a councillor defected. UKIP previously held one seat after a member defected to the party, so the wins in Thursday's election were its first at the polls.
The Green Party has also won its first seat with Martin Whybrow taking Hythe from the Conservative Party. The Green Party has won its first seat with Martin Whybrow taking Hythe from the Conservatives.
With 58 of the 84 seats being contested declared, the Tories have also lost seats to Labour and Liberal Democrats. The Tories have also lost seats to Labour and Liberal Democrats.
In one vote a Conservative councillor beat his UKIP candidate mother-in-law.In one vote a Conservative councillor beat his UKIP candidate mother-in-law.
A couple of vials of liquid were found in a ballot box in Whitstable and have been sent for analysis.A couple of vials of liquid were found in a ballot box in Whitstable and have been sent for analysis.
Seven out of eight seats in Thanet have been won by UKIP, the other was won by Labour.
Keith Woollven, chairman of Maidstone UKIP, said: "We are very pleased with the results that we have gained both in Maidstone and in the whole of Kent. It confirms the fact that were now well placed as the third party in British politics.
"We're in line with what we were realistically expecting to gain which was an increased number of second places.
'Positive reaction''Positive reaction'
New Green councillor Mr Whybrow described his Hythe ward as a "ray of green light" surrounded by Conservative and UKIP seats.New Green councillor Mr Whybrow described his Hythe ward as a "ray of green light" surrounded by Conservative and UKIP seats.
"It's been a remarkable morning here. There was a big turnout in Hythe over 40% so we were late in with the result compared to the others," he said."It's been a remarkable morning here. There was a big turnout in Hythe over 40% so we were late in with the result compared to the others," he said.
"Over the last couple of weeks the confidence levels were growing because the reaction we were getting from the canvassing, from pounding the streets was so positive."Over the last couple of weeks the confidence levels were growing because the reaction we were getting from the canvassing, from pounding the streets was so positive.
"Obviously as a little party what we had to persuade people of was that we were credible.""Obviously as a little party what we had to persuade people of was that we were credible."
Counting has finished in Tunbridge Wells with UKIP's Christopher Hoare winning one seat and the Conservative Party holding five.Counting has finished in Tunbridge Wells with UKIP's Christopher Hoare winning one seat and the Conservative Party holding five.
Tory Jan Ozog beat his mother-in-law Jo Shippam, who was standing for UKIP, to hold on to his West Hill seat. Mr Ozog gained 1,560 votes to Ms Shippam's 1,112.Tory Jan Ozog beat his mother-in-law Jo Shippam, who was standing for UKIP, to hold on to his West Hill seat. Mr Ozog gained 1,560 votes to Ms Shippam's 1,112.
Conservative controlConservative control
Residents across Kent, except those in Medway, where there were no elections for the unitary authority, cast their votes at 800 polling stations.Residents across Kent, except those in Medway, where there were no elections for the unitary authority, cast their votes at 800 polling stations.
About one million people were eligible to vote in the county council election.About one million people were eligible to vote in the county council election.
Counting in 12 districts started at 09:00 BST on Friday.
The results will be published on a live interactive map on the county council website.
The Conservatives strengthened their control at county hall in the last elections, held four years ago, when Labour was replaced by the Liberal Democrats as the main opposition.The Conservatives strengthened their control at county hall in the last elections, held four years ago, when Labour was replaced by the Liberal Democrats as the main opposition.
The Tory party held 72 seats, the Lib Dems seven and Labour three. UKIP and a residents' association held one seat each.The Tory party held 72 seats, the Lib Dems seven and Labour three. UKIP and a residents' association held one seat each.
This time, a total of 15 parties put up candidates, with the Conservatives having the most at 84.This time, a total of 15 parties put up candidates, with the Conservatives having the most at 84.
Labour had 83, UKIP 74 and the Lib Dems 70 candidates. The remaining parties fielding candidates ranged from independents to English Democrats and the Monster Raving Loony Party.Labour had 83, UKIP 74 and the Lib Dems 70 candidates. The remaining parties fielding candidates ranged from independents to English Democrats and the Monster Raving Loony Party.