The first result to be announced at Wokingham Borough Council’s local elections saw an elated Gary Cowan re-elected as an independent councillor for Arborfield.
He won 540 votes, compared to Conservative challenger David Edmonds of 233.
And the veteran, who has more than 20 years’ experience on the council said he intended to do his best for all residents in the borough.
Cllr Cowan used to be a Conservative but quit the party in disgust in 2016.
He told The Wokingham Paper: “I am elated. I never expected this to be the outcome.
“Against an established party I thought it would be a very, very difficult campaign but in actual fact I got two thirds of the vote, I’m immensely proud to represent Aborfield for another four years.
“Thanks must go to the residents of Arborfield who supported me.
“I’ll do the very I can not only for the residents of Aborfield but for the residents of the borough as well.”