The 2023 Local Elections produced almost no changes in the balance of power in North Tyneside, with the Labour Party's grip on control holding firm.
The party lost a seat in the Collingwood ward to the Conservative Party candidate John Johnsson, but James Spowart took Cullercoats from the Tories to leave Labour holding 51 of 60 seats overall.
All the focus prior to polling day was on the St Mary's ward, where former Conservative group leader George Westwater was standing as an Independent against his former party.
Read more: Labour lose seats in Newcastle but remain dominant force – as council leader prepares for challenge
Mr Westwater was deselected by his party in October, before he - along with fellow St Mary's Conservative councillors Pam McIntyre and Judith Wallace - resigned from the party to serve as Independents in February. The trio cited "serious concerns" around "bullying and hostile conduct" as their reason for leaving the party.
The tightly-contested ward saw Conservative candidate Ian McAlpine run out as winner with 1,366 votes, ahead of Robbie Loughney (Labour, 1,071 votes) and Mr Westwater (916 votes).
The Conservatives were also left sweating after they almost lost the Tynemouth ward to the Labour Party. With just 18 votes in it on first inspection, a re-count was ordered putting Lewis Bartoli 20 votes ahead of his Labour rival Michael Morris.
Speaking after his win, Coun Bartoli hit out at what he called a "nasty" election campaign - and added his comments were not aimed at his Labour opposition.
He said: "I want to make a serious point - this has been one of the nastiest elections I've been involved in. I'm not pointing this at the Labour Party before they start their jeers and boos.
"Seeing people use the electoral process to settle personal scores has been a shame on North Tyneside and I hope it is the last we see of people using this process for that purpose."
Coun Wendy Lott, who successfully defended the Riverside ward for Labour, also hit out at what she called "dirty tactics" by her opponents.
She said: "I believed in myself to come here today and win this election. I believe in my party more than that.
"That's why we don't resort to dirty tactics. For those that have pulled out the dirty tactics, you have done me a massive favour. Thank you very much."
It is understood that Coun Lott was referring to a row over her use of an E-Scooter, which are not allowed on pavements or roads in most parts of the UK. Questions were raised after she was pictured on the vehicle in a campaign leaflet.
On the other hand, the newly elected Coun Johnsson praised his young opponent Jack Proud (21) for the way the campaign for the Collingwood ward had been conducted.
He said: "I met Jack yesterday and some of his team on the doors. We had a good chat about being opponents. We're not enemies.
"It is great to see young people getting engaged in politics, it's something we want to see more of.
"We didn't exchange one personal insult between each other on this campaign, and I'm sure you will be seeing more of Jack - I'm sure he will be back again."
Elsewhere, it was a disappointing day for both the Greens and the Liberal Democrats, who failed to win a single seat between them.
The Greens did push hard in the Whitley Bay ward - candidate Alan Steele received 1,013 votes in total. However, he was still some way off John O'Shea's 1,788 for the Labour Party.
The balance of North Tyneside Council is now: Labour - 51 (=), Conservative - 7 (+1), Independent - 2 (-1).
Read next:
- South Tyneside Council local election results 2023: Labour holds on as Green Party gains three seats
- Labour maintains firm hold on Sunderland City Council with Lib Dems becoming majority opposition
- North Shields neighbours raise objections to townhouse development
- Proposed shop at Wallsend's Moor Drive development splits local opinion
- North Shields arts venue withdraws alcohol licence application for bank holiday amid police concerns
