[3] 19 seats were being contested with 4 Liberal Democrat and 1 independent councillors standing down at the election, while the council leader Sheila Campbell and 2 other cabinet members were defending seats.

[3] Issues in the election included anti-social behaviour, council tax, rural transportation and planning policy.

[6] They gained 7 seats included 5 from the Liberal Democrats and 1 each from Labour and the independents.

[6] The widespread press coverage earlier in the year about the local Liberal Democrat MP Mark Oaten having had sex with male prostitutes was seen as having damaged the Liberal Democrats and benefited the Conservatives.

[10] Following the election George Beckett became the new Conservative leader of the council.