After a hard fought campaign, this has now changed to the Conservatives increased 28 councillors, leaving the Liberal Democrats down to 25, having lost seats to both the Conservatives and Labour.
Helen Osborne was successfully elected as the representative for Weeke, Teg Down and Bereweeke and will now take her place on Winchester City Council representing St Barnabas, which has over five and a half thousand residents.
Helen, who has worked closely with Winchester MP Steve Brine, has campaigned tirelessly and positively for residents of the St Barnabas, and the election count was not without drama, as the Liberal Democrat agent challenged the original result, which gave Helen a 140 majority.
After a recount, Helen's majority actually increased to 141, as a Conservative vote had accidentally been placed in the wrong pile.
Another new face was added as Caroline Horrill comfortably retained the Sparsholt, Crawley & Headbourne Worthy ward, replacing outgoing council leader Keith Wood.
In addition, Labour comfortably won St John ward, covering Winnall and Highcliffe, with Conservative Jonny Scowen pushing the Liberal Democrats into 3rd place.
Meanwhile, on the south west of Steve's constituency, Conservatives Cllr Judith Grajewski and Cllr Margaret Atkinson, were celebrating victories which cover the Eastleigh Borough Council area.
Steve Brine said: "These are another very pleasing set of results for the Conservatives across my constituency which, to be honest, continue the trend of the past five years.
"It's never easy when a well known councillor steps down but Caroline Horrill has won handsomely in Sparsholt & Crawley and will be an effective councillor.
"St Barnabas is a real bell-weather ward so it was terrific to see Helen Osborne, the local girl who grew up on Teg Down, win there.
"Many congratulations to all new and re-elected councillors, of all parties, who I look forward to working with for the good of the people we all represent."
Pictured; Steve joins Helen Osborne and her team in Teg Down, and the Conservative Group celebrate on the steps of the historic Guildhall
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Final Winchester City Council election results
LISTEN to Steve's reaction here.