Two-decade Gloucester Tory reign ended by Lib Dems

Liberal Democrats cheered after the first results saw them gain two seats in Gloucester Elmbridge

For the first time in two decades, the Conservatives have lost control of Gloucester City Council as the Liberal Democrats become the biggest party.

The council has ended up with no party gaining enough of a majority to take overall control.

The Liberal Democrats ended the day with 17 seats with the Conservatives second at 11.

Labour have seven while independent councillors have four seats.

One who could not serve beyond this election was the council's Conservative leader Richard Cook.

He stood down following treatment for cancer.

Mr Cook said he was proud of the regeneration projects underway around the city centre.

The last time the city council went to the polls, Labour were reduced to just three councillors.

Gloucester’s parliamentary seat has often been seen as a bellwether for general elections.

It has been held by Conservative Richard Graham since 2010, and at the last general election he had a majority of 10,277.