Tensions rise as votes in Havant start to be counted

Havant Leisure Centre is filling up with people and the tension is building as the ballot papers are counted.

Havant has 14 wards up for election.

The Tories are the party to beat as they currently hold a large majority at the authority.

Tory councillor Jackie Branson said: ‘I think the Leigh Park seats are the ones that are going to be of interest.’

Ukip’s Hayling East councillor John Perry said he was expecting Ukip to do well.

‘I would expect at least two,’ he said.

‘But I don’t know exactly where because there are many seats we could take this evening.’

Richard Brown, the sitting Labour councillor who is up for re-election in Warren Park, said: ‘It’s been odd.

‘It’s been an extremely quiet election.

‘I don’t think many people have voted.’

The first results are expected after midnight.