THE controversy over the final seat to be declared in the county council elections has been referred to the Electoral Commission.

The Liberal Democrats took the Egdon Heath division by just four votes after four recounts at the poll earlier this month.

But Malcolm Shakesby, who was ousted by Alex Brenton in the only Purbeck seat to change hands, is unhappy with the way the count was handled.

He said postal votes were discovered that could not be verified, the verified number of votes changed three times, counting continued while he and his agent were out of the room seeking advice and a full recount was denied by returning officer Steve Mackenzie.

Capt Shakesby said he won the first count by a single vote. That was challenged by the Lib Dems and three more votes that had not been included were found.

After the next count, a further vote was found, said Capt Shakesby, and he requested another recount, but he said that was completed while he was out of the room.

The defeated candidate requested a reverification, but it was denied and the result declared after a final recount.

Capt Shakesby said: “This has been a very difficult time for all candidates concerned and I am deeply disturbed that the democratic process and constitution, of which we must adhere to, has been seriously undermined.”

Cllr Brenton said that there might be questions over adding up, but all the votes were on the table at the end of the day.

Mr Mackenzie said recounts two, three and four came out identically.

He added: “The count was run in accordance with the requirements, everything was done properly.”

Mr Mackenzie added that it was up to the candidates and their agents to be in the room for counts and they were also invited to attend the opening of postal votes in the week running up to the count.