The ACC has declined to comment.

The big names that fell are astonishing. Serving cabinet ministers like Mark Harper, Alex Chalk and Michelle Donelan. Former Secretaries of State like Jacob Rees-Mogg, Liam Fox and Robert Buckland. Some knew they were on the brink; in places like Cheltenham and South Swindon the Tory majorities last time were slender.But others did not expect it. Liam Fox had represented North Somerset for three decades; the area has never had a Labour MP – until now. Michelle Donelan’s old seat was split up due to boundary changes; she chose Melksham and Devizes, thinking it was a safer bet. It wasn’t.

The Liberal Democrats took her out, and removed a string of other Conservatives, on their way to reinstating the West Country as a heartland. As the campaign progressed they had sensed things were looking better and better – but ending up with nearly half the area’s seats still exceeded all expectations.Labour celebrated in places they had not expected, taking seats that had looked like outside chances. But they will be stung by the loss of Thangam Debbonaire in Bristol Central, ousted by the Greens’ Carla Denyer.But the small party that many will feel has had the most influence for the least gain is Reform UK, who won no seats in the West. They polled strongly, which the Tories feel was at their expense.

A Gloucestershire county councillor obtained loans of £150,000 for a social club by lying about documents and forging signatures, it is alleged.Senior members of the Carlton Club in Stroud claim councillor Nick Housden, who represents the Stonehouse district, forged signatures and lied about the nature of application forms to four committee members in order to secure several loans from the Association of Conservative Clubs (ACC).

The club's managing director said it has left the business with "crushing" amounts of debt and almost forced it to close.

Mr Housden, who is standing as an independent candidate in theAfter three years work by archaeologists and volunteers, they say the site had "exceeded all their expectations".

Back on the farm: Heifers have been enjoying their morning feed after milking at Hartpury University.The farm there works all year round, despite it being the summer holidays for most students.

Pig Club: Meanwhile, Stroud Brewery has found a unique way to get rid of their waste by involving local hobby farmers.Thrupp Community Pig Club is taking the used malt from the brewing process to feed its three pigs.