Independent councillor Andy Tree has vowed to fight for better healthcare facilities and stronger policing after defying the major political parties to win re-election in Bordon.

The leader of the Whitehill & Bordon Community Party secured 3,569 votes in last Thursday’s Hampshire County Council elections - more than the combined total for Reform UK, the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Labour and Green Party.

Cllr Tree said he was surprised by the scale of his victory after results were declared at 4am.

“I have worked hard and I do get things done, so I had hoped my track record and determination would see me hold my seat,” he said.

“However, national trends still affect voting patterns and so I was quite shocked by the margin I won by and extremely grateful to fellow residents for their support.”

Cllr Tree said communication and visibility had helped him retain support while some independent groups elsewhere - including Farnham Residents Group in the West Surrey election - struggled at the polls.

Among the biggest concerns raised by residents were NHS plans for a health hub, anti-social behaviour and fears the area could become “a dumping ground for housing”.

Cllr Tree said he had already contacted the Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner about visiting Whitehill & Bordon to discuss policing issues.

He also said NHS representatives had agreed to attend a future public meeting once plans for local healthcare services were ready to share.

Looking ahead, Cllr Tree said protecting green spaces and ensuring Whitehill & Bordon secured more facilities would remain priorities.

He also voiced concern about local government reorganisation proposals, saying residents feared losing influence in “a strange huge council that stretches from here to the New Forest”.

After celebrating his victory with “a few glasses of red wine” at the Royal Exchange, Cllr Tree said the focus was now back on representing residents.

See page 31 for more on the landmark local election.