Tories lose control of Oxfordshire County Council

Labour won 15 seats in Oxfordshire

The Conservatives have failed to retain control of Oxfordshire County Council in the local elections.

The party was one seat short of a majority on the authority after gains by Labour, Liberal Democrats and independents.

With all results in, the Tories remain the largest party with 31 seats. They previously held 52.

Labour won 15 seats and the Liberal Democrats 11. Independents won four and the Greens held their two seats.

UKIP failed to win in any Oxfordshire wards.

Labour took three seats in Banbury, with a candidate from its sister group Labour and Co-operative taking the fourth seat in the town. The Conservatives previously held all four.

In Prime Minister David Cameron's constituency, the new Witney South and Central ward was won by the Labour and Co-operative candidate.

The number of councillors at Oxfordshire County Council has been cut from 74 to 63

The Tories who won both the former Witney East and West wards in 2009, won the new Witney West and Bampton, and Witney North and East wards.

Conservative leader Ian Hudspeth said he was "disappointed" and would look at the options for a coalition administration.

"I expect there will be a lot of phone calls over the course of the weekend,

"People wanted a protest vote and we've seen the result nationally. We have to live with that and make sure we put the Conservative manifesto across," he said.

'Ruled the roost'

Liberal Democrat Zoe Patrick said: "For too long the Conservatives have ruled the roost, meaning that many people haven't had a voice. Others will now have a chance to hold them to account."

Liz Brighouse, Labour group leader, said: "It's a really good result for us, we've taken seats across the county.

"We welcome the fact UKIP haven't won any seats as they are a party of protest."

Boundary changes mean the number of county councillors is being cut from 74 to 63. Turnout was 31.87%.

In a local referendum also held on Thursday, residents of Thame voted to adopt the town council's plan for future development.

Turnout was just under 40% with 2,779 voting in favour and 855 against.