“I am very pleased to report that Derbyshire has voted Conservative, with a huge increase in the Conservative majority on the Council, with a net gain of 9 seats. Labour’s Group Leader even lost his own seat.

“I’m also absolutely delighted that Jean Wharmby for Glossop and Charlesworth was re-elected, defending her previous tiny majority of just 11 votes. I was also over the moon that Cllr Linda Grooby for Buxton was re-elected, increasing her majority from just 27 votes to over 200!

“We also saw a huge swing to the Conservatives in Gamesley, Hadfield & Tintwistle, previously a rock solid safe Labour seat, but just missed out on what would have been a huge shock upset.

“It was a very bad night for the smaller parties with long-standing Liberal Democrat councillor for New Mills & Hayfield, Beth Atkins, losing her seat to Labour after an unexpectedly strong performance from Conservative candidate, Tony Ashton. I was also pleased to see a 4% swing to the Conservatives in the Labour seat of Whaley Bridge.

“Congratulations are also in order for Councillor Tony Kemp for being re-elected in Buxton West and to Cllr Nigel Gourlay for being elected with a huge majority of over 1,000 votes in Chapel, Dove Holes & Hope Valley. 

“It was also really good to see turnout up significantly across the borough. We are still waiting for the results of the Police & Crime Commissioner election.

“Thank you so much to everyone who voted and thank you to all the council staff, volunteers and Police who worked hard to make this election possible in tricky circumstances. 

“I’m so pleased that we have a strong team of Conservative Councillors in place and that we can continue to work together to deliver more investment, jobs and services to the people of High Peak. 

“Let’s keep working together to make the High Peak even better!”