Lincolnshire election 2013: UKIP ousts deputy leader as Tories lose control

The UK Independence Party has taken its first ever seats on Lincolnshire County Council, and ousted its deputy leader.

UKIP made gains across the county, ensuring the Conservatives lost overall control. The Tories won just 36 seats - down from 61 at the last election.

In Boston, three members of the same family were victorious UKIP candidates, with a fourth narrowly missing out.

And the anti-EU party won by a single vote in Lincoln Hartsholme, following a recount.

The total number of UKIP county councillors now stands at 16, while Labour have 12 councillors.

The Conservative deputy leader of the county council, Eddy Poll, was beaten by UKIP's Richard Fairman, in Spalding.

'Time has come'

Other notable scalps include Kelly Smith, executive member for finance, and Graham Marsh, who was in charge of adult services.

A mother and two daughters also celebrated wins for UKIP.

Sue Ransome, 61, and her daughters Felicity and Elizabeth Ransome, 27 and 26, gained three seats in Boston.

The mother-of-four took the Boston East seat with 675 votes while Felicity took Boston Coastal with 826 votes and Elizabeth took Boston Fishtoft with 837 votes.

Her husband Don stood for Boston South, along with their eldest daughter Jodie Sutton, 36, in Boston Rural - both came second.

Mr Ransome, who lost to the Lincolnshire Independents in Boston South, said: "Our time has come - I'm used to always being the bridesmaid - but at least I've got a few brides with me now.

"Everybody has had enough, and hopefully we can deliver something different - and spend Lincolnshire taxes on Lincolnshire people."

Conservative councillor Peter Bedford, who lost his seat to a UKIP candidate, called it a protest vote.

Mr Bedford, who also leads Boston Borough Council, said: "It was a protest against central government's polices - it's disappointing but we'll bounce back."