A Conservative councillor reclaimed his seat by one vote after a ballot paper with Brexit written on was awarded to the Tory candidate.
Cotswold District Council defended its decision to accept the controversial ballot paper where a voter wrote 'Brexit' with an arrow pointing to Stephen Hirst during last night's local election.
The knife-edge call meant the Mr Hirst reclaimed the Tetbury Town ward, won by a single vote, beating Independent candidate Kevin Painter.
The returning officer, who is responsible for overseeing elections, said the decision was made in line with guidance from the Electoral Commission, according to Gloucestershire Live.
Mr Painter, who was not present at the count in the early hours of this morning, vowed he will take official action and was prepared to have his case for a re-count heard in court.
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The result was the final count to be declared after the Liberal Democrats seized control of the district council after 16 years of Conservative rule - with a majority of one.
Mr Painter said he has received advice from the Electoral Commission and will submit an electoral petition which would call for a re-count, and has to be permitted through the courts.
Speaking on the result, he said: "It is absolutely unbelievable. It is more Blackadder than anything else. The rules are quite simply you have to put a cross in the box. I am absolutely stunned by the response.
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"The rules now make me doubt the integrity of our elections."
THE FINAL RESULT FOR TETBURY TOWN
Conservative: 232
Independent: 231
