In a near 30-year career, I managed to dodge election counts. Local magazines are more about gardens and interiors, food and drink; politics not so much. Now I’ve done two breathtaking election counts in less than a year, and I’m hooked.

Having tackled last year’s General Election, which saw all of Cornwall’s parliamentary seats change colour overnight, it was the turn of the councils on Friday afternoon. Given the civilised hour, I forewent the survival kit, and sorely regretted the lack of Mars bars five hours in.

Instead of two MP seats per count, there were 15 Cornwall Council seats being called at Truro Cathedral, followed by seats for city, town and parish councils. The pace was bewildering: I barely had time write up results and interviews for our live blog before I was out of my seat for the next one.

The atmosphere was tense. Councillors looked nervous; reports suggested Reform were set to sweep the board. Those who visited the polling booths noted that attendance was slow. Turnout averaged around 38 per cent, low but standard for a council election, which just doesn’t have the same pull as a general – despite how much people enjoy moaning about the council on social media.

There were shock losses on the day. While Reform took 28 seats across Cornwall, only one was called in Truro: St Newlyn East, Cubert and Goonhavern, where the sitting Conservative had quit the party to stand as an independent, only for the Tories to field their own candidate and split the vote.

In Truro Moresk and Trehaverne, a close-run three-way battle saw LibDem Steven Webb win the seat from long-standing Conservative councillor Chris Wells; and in Gloweth, Malabar and Shortlanesend, Green candidate Karen LaBorde filled the seat vacated by retiring Conservative David Harris.

Those who held their seats expressed deep relief. In heartfelt speeches, the successful often suggested local elections should transcend party politics. I’d agree. My own councillor is not of my own political persuasion but has been very helpful to me, which prompted some soul-searching in the ballot box.

But ‘twas ever thus. It was a shame to see hard-working stalwarts sacrificed on the altar of sticking it to the Tories/Labour. Elsewhere in Cornwall, Mebyon Kernow candidates were caught in the crossfire. However, many continue their sterling work at the heart of their communities on city/town/parish councils.

The proof of the pudding will be in the eating. Martyn Alvey, former Conservative portfolio holder for Environment and Climate Change, retained his Feock and Kea seat with a slim majority. He promised to hold the new administration to account, adding: “It’s no secret money is tight – I have spent the last four years in cabinet making unpleasant decisions out of necessity.”

The people who are happy to complain but can’t be bothered to vote would never dream of sticking their heads above the parapet and actually standing for election. At least the Reform voters and candidates are actively participating in what some describe as a “protest, but could just as easily be called “democracy”.