He said: "I thank them for wanting to contribute to public life on the Island and encourage them to remain engaged." One shock result of the night was the downfall of the leader of the Conservative party, and the council, Dave Stewart who lost his seat, Chale, Niton and Shorwell, to Green candidate Claire Critichson by 240 votes. Mr Seely thanked Mr Stewart for his leadership and wished him well for the future. He said: "After a chaotic period under the control of independents, Dave helped to bring stability to the Council. We need to keep that stability going. “Whilst Conservatives have lost some council seats, they remain the largest party on the Council. I hope they are able to find and form a working majority.