IT WAS an agonising wait for the candidates vying for the Marlborough West spot but it was Independent councillor Nick Fogg who emerged triumphant at the third time of asking.

Coun Fogg, Conservative Tamara Reay and Sylvia Card of Labour were left waiting more than an hour on Friday at Devizes Leisure Centre for the local elections as two recounts for their ward to become the unitary councillor took place.

Long after all the other results had been called, John Watling, head of electoral services, announced that Coun Fogg had held off his rivals, claiming 754 votes compared to 507 for Mrs Reay and 121 for Mrs Card.

This concluded a nervy hour or two for the candidates, who were told different results for each of the three times the votes were counted.

"I think it was described as a 'cock up' and I sort of agree. The first time I was told I had lost by 30 votes or so, the second time I had a large majority and then it changed again so I have been put through the wringer," said Coun Fogg, who will begin his third term in the seat this month.

"Now that I have won I am certainly not complaining but it was an anxious wait for sure. It would have been very disturbing if it led to a false result. Now that this is over I am very much looking forward to serving this community once more.

"I want to do the best I can for them and repay the faith they have shown in me again. Looking at the political map for the local elections in Wiltshire and nationwide, it has been a strong showing by the Conservatives. I am just glad that as an Independent I was able to resist that onslaught."

Mrs Reay, who was standing as a candidate for the first time, congratulated Coun Fogg on his victory but said this is just the start of her political ambitions.

"I am disappointed I did not win but hats off to Mr Fogg for his quite conclusive victory. We both had to go through a very nerve-wracking time period with the voting mishaps," she said.

"I want to thank everyone who supported me. I loved getting out there and campaigning, meeting people and listening to their concerns. I still have political ambitions for the future certainly."

The turnout was 50.25 per cent of the electorate.