Worcester City Council: Conservatives win control

The Tories now have control of Worcester City Council by one seat

The Conservatives have taken charge of Worcester City Council, which formerly had no party in overall control.

The party went into this election with a total of 16 seats, which it increased by three, giving it a ruling majority of one.

Meanwhile the Labour party added to its disappointment from across the West Midlands by losing four seats.

The Green party also gained one seat on the city authority, as did the Liberal Democrats.

Jim Carver was one of three Conservatives to take seats from Labour

Jim Carver, a former UKIP MEP, who was among the Conservatives to take seats from Labour, said he was "absolutely delighted".

"People just felt their votes were being taken for granted," he said.

Karen Lawrence won the Claine seat for the Lib Dems and said it was because the party has become more focused in the city.

"We've been working really hard with each other," she said.

"We are very local and we are very active locally and we are proving ourselves."

The count took place at Perdiswell Leisure Centre

The Conservatives had a one-seat majority on the council in 2019, when it lost one to the Green party and the council had no majority party.

• Latest news from the West Midlands

After the result, Robin Walker, the MP for Worcester tweeted: "Some great new councillors elected.

"Thank you to so many voters across the city for your support."

• POSTCODE SEARCH: What are the results in your area?

• VOTE: Why full results might take longer

• BBC: How to follow the election results

• ENGLAND: Election results