BUOYANT Lib Dems are celebrating a “momentous” result in the Rochford district which has seen them become the largest political party on the council.

The Conservatives had just three councillors elected and lost a total of five seats after residents took to the polls on Thursday, leaving them with ten councillors overall.

The additional three seats won by the Lib Dems saw them leapfrog the Tories to become the largest singular party on the council with 11 councillors.

However Rochford Council remains hung, with no overall majority and the joint Independent, Lib Dem and Green administration likely to continue.

Leader of the Lib Dem group, James Newport, thanked residents for their continued support.

He said: “We are very proud of what we have achieved and it was a successful night. Ultimately, we have to thank the residents who have seen the work we have done in recent years and have continued to support us. We are excited to move forward.

“It is early days, and we will be taking some time to catch our breathe and celebrate and then we will have the conversations about the next administration.

“The result, in Rochford and across south Essex as Tories lose seats, is clear reflection of the public mood felt across the country at the moment.”

The Independents gained an additional three seats at Thursday’s elections, but both the Lib Dems and Independents made significant gains at the parish and town elections too.

Following the election, the council is made up of 11 Lib Dems, ten Tories, nine independents, eight Residents’ Association and one Green councillor.

Richard Linden, Lib Dem for Wheatley, said there was a “momentous” feeling following the election. He added: “The people have spoken. We are now going to try to return the trust they have given us.

“It will be a lot of work to do, not just only to give back to the people who trusted us with their vote. It will be a difficult job, and not only financially.”

Mr Linden seems hopeful with more younger council members taking their place. Fellow Lib Dem Chris Stanley added the mood was hesitant at first, as many expected head-to-head battles.

He said: “It was close in a couple of wards but we’re all happy with the results, even though it is a hung council. Nevertheless, it is an improvement.”