Published: Thursday, 18th June, 2009 9:00am

Tories keep County Council control

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THE Conservatives have retained control of Surrey County Council for the fourth consecutive year following last Thursday"s elections.

The Tories hold 56 of the 80 seats, three fewer than before the vote, but remain in charge. They have a majority of 43 over the Liberal Democrats who gained one division and now have 13 county councillors. Labour lost in Chertsey, leaving the party with just one seat in Surrey - in Stanwell and Stanwell Moor.

Various Residents" Associations gained two divisions to give them nine seats overall, while one Independent councillor was elected in Ashtead.

Surrey County Council leader Nick Skellett said: 'The people of Surrey have put their trust in us to continue building the best public services possible for them. We will ensure that this strong endorsement of our abilities is reflected in our efforts to continue providing high-quality, responsive and value for money services for Surrey"s residents.'

l In Runnymede the borough"s six county council seats were held by the Tories.

Leader of Runnymede John Furey was elected to the county council for the first time while three Tories retained their seats and two new Conservative councillors were elected.