Labour takes East Staffordshire from Tories for first time in 20 years

Labour has assumed control of East Staffordshire Borough Council, taking it from the Conservatives for the first time in 20 years.

Before polling day, it was predicted the Tories would lose seats, but a "very bad" result for them would see a hung council - not a Labour win.

Boundary changes meant the council lost two of its seats and all 39 were up for election.

Labour secured 21, two more than the party needed for a majority.

The Conservatives are now the council's second largest party with 15 seats, a loss of eight from the local election in 2019.

The remaining seat at the council has been filled by an independent councillor.

Labour said its victory in East Staffordshire was a "hugely significant" result that boosted its hopes in a national poll.

"A hugely significant result that confirms we are on course for a majority Labour government," a party spokeswoman said.

"We have been going backwards in Staffordshire in recent general elections. With this gain and our win in Stoke, we are making real progress in the places we need to win the next election."

Labour also took control of Stoke-on-Trent City Council from the Conservatives.

The Tories also lost control of Lichfield District Council in Staffordshire, with no party gaining majority, and Cannock Chase Council, which is now under no overall control.

On Cannock Chase Council, the party lost four seats with Labour gaining five and the Conservatives are the largest party on the council by one seat, having 18 to Labour's 17. The Green Party gained a seat and the Lib Dems lost one. A third of the council's seats had been up for election.

In the Staffordshire Moorlands, Labour gained 11 seats, meaning the council is no longer run by the Conservatives. It is now under no overall control, with Labour having 24 seats to the Conservatives' 23. The Conservatives lost three but the Independents lost nine.

Stafford remains under no overall control but the Conservatives lost eight seats, compared with 2019, although two of those councillors had since then become independents.

It is the largest party on the council with 14 seats, although Labour now has 13 after gaining three. The Green Party gained four seats, taking its number on the council to five, and the Lib Dems have one seat. Independents continue to hold seven seats following the election.

Andrew Cooper, mayor elect for the Conservatives in Stafford, said his result was a huge relief but there had been some shock announcements.

"National politics have undoubtedly made a difference," he said.

"We've seen across the country a sort of protest vote.

"My ward has been Conservative and Independent for a while but there have been other candidates get a substantial part of the vote.

"I don't know who they are, they don't live in the ward and haven't put any literature out, yet they have got a substantial vote. It can only be a protest."

The Conservatives did have more success in South Staffordshire, retaining control of the district council is has run since 1976.