ALMOST half of Pembrokeshire County Council's cabinet, was ousted in a blood-letting election on Thursday.

OUT are council leader Maurice Hughes, Roy Folland, Haverfordwest, Brian Howells, Fishguard, and Pat Griffiths, Manorbier. Also OUT is chairman-elect Glyn Rees, Newport, as well as other long-standing councillors.

IN are 24 new faces, including some younger members and also controversial characters such as Old Grumpy columnist Mike Stoddart, Milford Haven, and Malcolm Calver, of Manorbier.

Opposition parties were unable to force a political swing as voters opted more for strong local candidates rather than political parties. But they hope the Independent group has had a 'wake-up' call.

Eleven members retired from the ranks. Labour, which had hoped to gain more seats on the swings, lost, however, on the roundabout, including member Jane Major, of Pembroke.

Labour leader Joyce Watson admitted: "We really thought, with all the things that have been happening with the Independent Group and their policies, that people might actually vote politically this time. But they did not. We can only hope that there are better things ahead."

Liberal Democrats still have three seats with leader John Allen, who retained his, commenting: "It's my impression that the local factor rather than the political remains very strong. Most people seem to have chosen strong local candidates."

Plaid Cymru was delighted to boost its numbers from two to five.

The staggering achievement of Rhys Sinnett in Milford Haven was praised by leader Michael Williams. "It is hoped that following the loss of so many cabinet members, the Independent group will learn from this and govern Pembrokeshire with far greater humility. The unbelievable arrogance displayed in recent years has cost them dear," he said.

Labour's Tom Tudor said: "There will need to be a lot of rearranging of the deck chairs, particularly on the cabinet. I am hopeful that with a change of leadership and direction of the Independent group, more democracy will be implemented in the way things are decided in County Hall."

Ken Rowlands, Labour, who resoundingly won the Johnston seat, said he had been successful because he had articulated the needs and aspirations of the villagers. "I feel the council was not taking on board the needs of the village and now I hope to address that."

The largest majority was gained by Independent Cllr Peter Stock, who said: "I would like to salute the loyal voters in my ward. They have given me massive support. It does seem people are voting for the person rather than the party."

Newcomer Mike Stoddart, an outspoken critic of the council, said: "I asked the people of Hakin to send a message to the council that things have to change. They have given that message loud and clear. I hope that the council will now return to democracy rather than autocracy."

Cllr Malcolm Calver, who ousted cabinet member Pat Griffiths, said he had fought the election on a number of local issues, including the need for more housing for young people in the village. He also hoped that as a councillor, representing an area in the national park, he would automatically be given a seat on the park authority.

Cllr Brian Hall, who fought the election against a background of controversy, said: "I was cleared by external and internal audits. I am grateful to the people of Pembroke Dock for having faith in me and the work I have done over the past nine years."

Replacing Glyn Rees in Newport is Robin Evans who has served as chairman of the community council, now the town council, and mayor of Newport twice.

"There is much to do in Newport in close co-operation with the town council. We need a meeting place for our teenagers, housing for our young people, as well as a pavement along the busy A487 to the Cwnce Estate," he said.

Another new member, Anne Hughes, who ends her term of office as Milford Haven's mayor on June 21st, said: "It was a very good election. I am grateful for the support from people in the ward and promise to do my best for them."