Voters in the village have once again elected three Lib Dems to represent them at South Cambridgeshire District Council.
Martin Cahn and James Rixon both retained their positions for the Histon and Impington ward, with newcomer Geo Sebastian elected for the third. James gained the most votes with 1,974; with Martin achieving 1,698 and Geo 1,669.
All three Green Party candidates also crossed the 1,000 mark at the count, with Edd Stonham gaining 1,497, Adam Morgan 1,201 and Paul Tarita 1,072. Reform emerged as the third most popular party, then the Conservatives fourth and Labour fifth. Turnout was 47.86%.
Speaking after the result was called, James said: “We’re really pleased, this has been a good win for the team. We saw huge support from local residents, and will continue our work with local groups and the Parish Council to deliver new improvements for the community.
“I’m particularly interested in the ideas that came from The Imaginarium, including community energy, retrofit and climate resilience – and this time of year is the perfect time to be thinking about these kinds of concepts.”
Martin, who has already served as a councillor for eight years, added: “We certainly had tough competition [with the Green Party]. But for me this result shows the community continue to have faith in their local Lib Dem councillors and the strength of our teamwork is also an important factor.”
While continuing their work as a team, James also pointed out each member also brings with them individual expertise with his background sustainability and architecture, Martin’s experience in planning and Geo’s professional life in the healthcare sector.
Geo, who is an NHS nurse and will largely focus on the Orchard Park area of the ward, said: “I’m really excited to now be a councillor and representing residents [at SCDC]. I’m very keen to meet people who are carers in our ward because I really want to support this important part of our community as well.”
Sunita Hansraj, who previously served the ward, was elected councillor in the Longstanton which now covers Northstowe. Martin’s son Ariel also retained his seat in the Harston & Comberton Ward.
Greens gain momentum
Despite not experiencing a win, there were still smiles on the faces of the village’s Green Party candidates with Edd saying they are “pleased to have held a strong second place in the ward”.
He said: “We have been saying for months that it would be between Lib Dems and Greens here with no chance of Reform getting any seats and we were correct, with just 172 votes in it!
“Both Adam and myself are looking forward to working hard for residents on the Parish Council, and we will continue to campaign for real hope and real change here, holding our elected representatives to account to deliver for people and for planet not profit and greed.”
Adam added: “Thank you to everyone who supported us. This has been an amazing experience and I’m really looking forward to joining Histon and Impington Parish Council and serving the community.”
Chris Boulton, who was standing for Reform, said the experience had been “very, very interesting”. He said: “The turnout for this local election was much higher than what I was expecting, and I’ve really enjoyed being involved.”
‘Strong team’
The BBC has reported South Cambridgeshire had the highest turnout of any other district in the Cambridgeshire holding elections, with 47.26% showing up to vote. Neighbourhood police officers visited some polling stations, saying their presence was to ensure everyone can “vote safely and confidently”.
South Cambridgeshire MP Pippa Heylings – herself a former H&I district councillor – and H&I County Councillor Ros Hathorn also attended today’s count to support the candidates standing for their party.
Ros Hathorn said she is “really thrilled” the village will continue to have “a strong team”. She said: “We’re about to experience a really difficult change ahead with Local Government Reorganisation.
“Everything about local councils is about to change in Cambridgeshire, and nobody knows what’s going to happen in 12 months’ time. So it’s going to be particularly important that public services continue to be delivered adequately – and that’s what matters to tax payers.”
Pippa added: “I know the three Lib Dem councillors will serve as really strong community champions and will work very hard for everyone. What this does show is as a team they are trusted to represent the village’s interests.”
READ MORE: South Cambs candidates tell Histon & Impington ‘why vote for me’
