The new Liberal Democrat county councillor for Royston has said that his election win demonstrates that not everyone is happy with politics in the area.

Councillor Steve Jarvis was announced as the winner of the Royston West and Rural seat on Herts County Council on Friday, ousting Conservative Tony Hunter from the seat he had held since 2009.

Mr Jarvis said: “I was pleased to win, I thought it was a possibility but these things are never certain.

“There are lots of people who think the council can do a better job with the way the council spend money, on roads, and areas such as social care.

“There is lots of pressure on them I know, but it is important to deliver in a more effective way.”

The seat covers a portion of Royston as well as several North Herts villages west and south west of the town and Great Ashby in Stevenage, while re-elected Conservative Fiona Hill’s seat covers Royston East and Ermine.

About his narrow victory by 62 votes, he added: “I think lots of people in Royston think the Tories win everything in the town – but it’s not a true reflection of the views of everyone.

“It is important that the other county councillor and I work together.”

Mr Jarvis – who heads up the North Herts Lib Dems group, where he is a district councillor – was also pleased at the announcement of the party’s candidate for the snap General Election on June 8, Nicky Shepard.

“I think she is a good candidate, she will bring a fresh approach,” he said.

“I think a lot of people still have to decide what they will vote for in the General Election.

“Lots of people think the Tories are going to win, so it is up for the people to decide what they are going to do about it.

“It is a really good opportunity for people to vote for change.”