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Tories make gains in council elections

Saturday, 09 May 2015 1:53 PM [ Last Update: Saturday, 09 May 2015 1:53 PM ]

Tories have taken control of more councils across the south and the Midlands.

The Conservatives have made gains in local council elections held on the same day as the general elections.

According to final results of local council elections the Tories have won an extra 485 seats so far and took the control of 25 councils across the south and the Midlands.

Labour and the Liberal Democrats suffered again in these elections but UKIP has won 39 extra seats, boosting its representation in Bolton, Rotherham, Sheffield and Thurrock.

The Green Party also fared well, winning seven seats in Bristol and overtaking the Liberal Democrats there.

About 9,200 seats were up for grabs in 279 metropolitan, district and unitary authorities across England, excluding London. The last time they were contested was in 2011.

Counting began on Friday, after general election results were declared, and continues on Saturday.

With results available for 246 councils, the Conservatives have won 4,638 seats, up 485. They control 138 councils, an increase of 25 Labour have won 2,026 seats, down 161. They control 71 councils, three fewer than before The Lib Dems have won 540 seats, down 312. They control three councils, four fewer than before UKIP has won 145 seats, boosting its representation by 39. The Green Party has won 58 seats, a net gain of 12.

The Conservatives have consolidated their position in the south of England and the Midlands, making gains in areas where they did well in Thursday's general election.

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