The Tory who won a dramatic dead-heat election draw to oust Labour's leader

Conservative David Ferguson was the lucky one, edging out former Labour group leader Susan Dungworth. The votes were counted three times and it was 868 votes each.

A ballot for each candidate was then put into a box and drawn out raffle style by an election official to determine the outcome.

Coun Ferguson works for the NHS and lives in Seaton Sluice, where he is treasurer for the local football club.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted to be elected by the residents of New Hartley and Seaton Sluice as their county councillor.

“Our campaign across the Seaton Valley area was based on the projects that the Conservative administration has developed in recent years that will make a huge difference when delivered.

“This includes passenger rail services coming back and a £30million-plus investment in schools. The Britishvolt scheme is also something that was very much welcomed on the doorsteps.

“I can't wait to get started and look forward to working with residents over the next four years.”

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