AS the pundits pore over their graphs and the local election analysis descends into paralysis, it is easy to forget that politics at all levels is about people.

That was amply and poignantly illustrated in Cherwell Council’s Bloxham and Bodicote ward, where an emotional Chris Heath sobbed as she romped home more than 630 votes ahead of her UKIP challenger.

This was not because she had seen off the threat of Farage’s marauders.

Conservative Mrs Heath had just retained the seat made vacant by her late husband, Eric, who held it for 12 years before he fell ill.

She explained afterwards that she had missed him most acutely in her moment of victory.

Forget Cameron, Miliband and Clegg, their legions of spotty-faced spin doctors and the whole Westminster circus.

People like Mrs Heath have got a far better chance of restoring our lost faith in politicians.

Congratulations to her and the winners from all parties.