A DISASTROUS counting error that caused havoc with Highworth’s election results has finally been fixed officially.

Confusion on the night of the ballot count led to more than five times as many ballots being counted for Highworth than the number of registered voters in the town.

Conservative candidates each received over 3,000 votes while Labour candidates each received over 200 votes too many.

Voters rallied to fundraise for a High Court petition which allowed the ballots to be reopened and tallied up again.

Independent candidate Kim Barber should have had enough votes to win a council seat, but Pauline Webster was reelected instead because of the mistake. She must now hand over the seat.

Coun Webster became visibly emotional as she said her goodbyes while chairing the town council’s planning committee meeting for the last time. Pausing to collect herself she said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my 12 years as councillor for Highworth and I’m very proud of all I have achieved during this time.

“I’ve been mayor twice and raised significant amounts of money for different charities. I’ve been instrumental in the podium rebuild, installing new public toilets, and working on the neighbourhood plan.

“I’ve been to numerous Swindon planning meetings including the fight for the new Aldi.

“I’ve made working friendships with the planning officers in Swindon and will miss the banter we’ve had over the years. I would like to wish all our new town councillors well and hope things will go more smoothly for them.

“I hope the council carries on the good work which has been started in the past and I feel privileged to have been part of that.”

Councillors and members of the public gave the outgoing councillor a round of applause.

Coun Lynn Vardy added: “I think all of us need to reflect on Pauline’s planning knowledge that, when she does go, will be lost, and I think it’s an absolute loss for Highworth. Thank you Pauline.”

Councillor Keith Smith organised the recount petition in his role as Highworth Community Partnership Group member.

Mr Smith said: “It’s a relief that justice has been served, it’s taken so long.

“I’m really delighted for Kim and disappointed for Pauline, it’s been a real mess for her, she gave a lovely speech and was understandably, quite upset.

“It’s been a long journey for a stupid error like that and I shall be writing to the Electoral Commission saying don’t let this happen again.

“It should not have happened we should not have had to go through this lengthy process to fix a glaringly obvious mistake.”

Everyone who chipped in to pay £4,000 towards the petition is expected to be refunded because the council will now cover the £16,000 legal costs through returning officer Susie Kemp’s insurance.

Ms Kemp said after the recount: “I didn’t get it right on the evening of the election.

“That falls squarely on my shoulders and I take full responsibility.

“I know this has been a difficult time for the councillors and candidates so I would like to apologise again.

“This is a big lesson learned and things were put into practice for the European elections and will be again in future to make sure we are never ever in this position again.”

Highworth had 6,408 registered voters before the election and 2,477 ballot papers were used - a turnout of less than 40 per cent. However, 41,939 votes were counted on election night.

In reality, Pauline Webster received 727 votes and Kim Barber received 863. The 14 other councillors elected will retain their seats.