THERE was delight for the Tories and disappointment for the Lib Dems following a landslide victory for the Conservatives in the local elections in Poole.

The blues won 32 seats out of a total 42 – meaning they now have a comfortable majority on the previously hung council.

Reflecting the party’s dismal performance in the national election, the Liberal Democrats just won six seats, which is twelve less than they took back in 2011.

See all the pictures from the night in our gallery

The Poole People Party lost one seat, dropping to three, and UKIP won one seat.

In Newtown, a traditional Liberal Democrat stronghold, there Conservatives won all three seats.

Graham Wilson, who recently defected to the Tories from the Liberal Democrats, was elected alongside his wife Lindsay.

The shock result means a new mayor will have to be voted in after Jo Clements, who had already been selected by the council, lost her seat.

Long-standing Lib Dem councillor Brian Clements was the other casualty of the Tories’ success.

Jane Walton, leader of the Conservative group in Poole, said she was delighted with the party’s performance.

She said: “I think it has been an absolutely brilliant day for us.

“We are very pleased the electorate has been able to put confidence in us."

The Tories expected to gain around 28 seats.

Mrs Walton added.“We are surprised at how many seats we have won but we are very pleased. We have won several seats in Mid Dorset and North Poole.”

Mike Brooke, leader of the Lib Dem group, retained his seat in Broadstone.

He said the switch in political opinion nationally had hit his party hard.

He said: “I would like to thank residents for voting for me and putting their trust in me in what appears to be a very difficult time for the party nationally.”

Vowing to build his party back up, he added: “I shall be working very hard to ensure that my colleagues are re-elected.”

Brian Clements loses his seat after 30 years

LONG-standing Lib Dem councillor Brian Clements was one of the hardest hit casualties – losing his seat after 30 years on the council.

The 76-year-old, who served as leader of the council between 1991 and 2003, said he was disappointed with the result and ruled out a return to politics due to his age.

Humble in his defeat, he said: “It is disappointing but on the other hand I have had the honour of representing the town for 30 years.

“My constituents have always been very supportive and it has been a delight working with them.

“I’m also looking forward to spending more evenings with my family.”

He put the result down to the national swing against the Lib Dems.