It is just now sinking in that I have been elected to represent the residents of Powys and in particular the people of Newtown Central on our local Council.
The count was not taking place until Friday morning. So although very tired after weeks of hard campaigning, I had little sleep on Thursday night.
I stood around the table where the votes where being counted, along with the other candidates, each candidate having friends and party members around them. I’ve never experienced so many emotions in such a short space of time as the votes where sorted into the five trays: nerves, excitement, pride, anxiety, humility and more.
Then the results were declared:
BANCROFT, Dougie – Welsh Liberal Democrats – 211
GEORGE, Russell Ian – Welsh Conservatives – 314
LLOYD, Robert Alan – Independent – 29
MCCALL, John Andrew, Independent – 26
TAYLOR, Reg, Independent – 110
The returning officer then announced: “And I do hereby declare that the said Russell Ian George is duly elected Councillor for the said Electoral Division”. I felt very excited to be given this vote of confidence by the people of Newtown Central which I intend to repay by bringing a fresh approach on their behalf.
I’ve had many emails, comments and texts congratulating me, which I haven’t yet had time to respond to, so if you are reading this, thank you – I appreciate your support greatly.
Wonderful result for you and for the party. You won it with your hard work. I have great faith that you are going to be a great leaderin the politics of Montgomeryshire, and wider afield.
Congratulations Russ!!!
Congratulations Russ, well deserved. Let’s hope you and your Tory colleagues can sort out the mess in Powys CC left by the old guard.