Alton Rural winner Antonia Cox gives her winner's speech at the Hampshire County Council election count in Petersfield

The winners of the Alton seats on Hampshire County Council stepped up to the podium to thank everybody at the end of a very long election night.
A big turnout - 54 per cent in Alton Rural and 49 per cent in Alton Town, with similar figures across the district - meant the last result was declared at the Festival Hall in Petersfield at 6.40am on Friday.
Liberal Democrat Emily Young won Alton Town with 3,433 votes - 1,821 clear of her nearest rival - and Conservative Antonia Cox polled 2,701 to claim Alton Rural victory by 412 votes.
Emily Young said: “I’m really delighted to be elected as county councillor for Alton Town and I’d like to say thank you to every resident who put the X in the box next to my name.
“I will work hard to represent all the residents of Alton regardless of whether or not you voted for me, and I want to say thank you again to everyone tonight, all the officers.
“We’ve had a great turnout, and I particularly want to say thank you to my wonderful team that’s worked really hard to get me over the line - and of course my husband, who has been doing the school pick-ups and staying at home cooking meals over the last few months.
“So thank you very much everyone - I’m looking forward to the future.”
Antonia Cox said: “I’d like to thank my predecessor Mark Kemp-Gee, the fantastic team from East Hants, Damian for coming out and helping, and everyone who has lent their support - Julie, Rob and all sorts of people who aren’t here today.
“This is going to be an extremely short speech, as befits this stage of the proceedings. I look forward to putting my experience to work in the service of the good people of Alton Rural. Thank you.”