THE leader of Hillingdon Council, Ray Puddifoot, was voted in for his fourth term, which will take him through to 2018.

Cllr Puddifoot, who joined the council in 2000, said the Conservatives had been confident of retaining control of the borough.

A chartered accountant by profession, he claims the party’s success is down to its management of the borough’s finances.

Cllr Puddifoot says the council puts money aside in case of problems, so it knows where to go if it is required.

Overseeing the building of London’s first 50-metre swimming pool in 40 years was a particular highlight of his term in office, he said.

The ruling Conservatives were nervous of UKIP’s effect on the vote, and Cllr Puddifoot said it was a factor in the wards where they lost to Labour.

UKIP came fourth in Botwell, Cavendish, Eastcote and East Ruislip, Ickenham, Manor, Townfield, Uxbridge North and West Ruislip wards.

The chairman of UKIP’s youth wing, Young Independence, Jack Duffin, 22, stood in Uxbridge South and came seventh.