THE Conservatives have lost in Church Hill to Labour.
Former Labour group leader Bill Hartnett defeated the Conservatives’ Mike Rouse, the authority’s portfolio holder for finance by just 65 votes.
Mike Rouse himself had won the seat four years ago by just one vote.
The result marks a major step for Labour as it looks to rebuild its position at the Town Hall.
Church Hill
Bill Hartnett (Lab) – 794 (Lab gain)
Chris Hudson (Green) – 85
Mike Rouse (Con) – 729
Mark Tomes (Lib Dem) – 218