The Conservative party have won overall control of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

The party, which made early gains in the town centre ward of Brookvale and Kings Furlong, secured a majority just before 4pm with six wards left to count.

LIVE UPDATES: Results as they come in

They had swept through the rural wards and also comfortably held the ward of Kempshott and Buckskin.

Reacting to the news, cabinet member Cllr Mark Ruffell, who was re-elected in Basing and Upton Grey, said: "I am absolutely delighted by the result.

"It was definitely in the balance and it shows that the public think that the borough has been well run for the last 15 years by the Conservatives.

"We have a lot of work to do and in particular we must get a new Local Plan in place and we must secure extra protection for the natural environment and our valued landscapes."

In a day of surprising results, Labour only took one councillor in Brookvale and Kings Furlong and Kim Taylor - elected to Hampshire County Council just two days ago - lost her seat in Brighton Hill.

Reacting to the news of his re-election, Cllr Andy McCormick, Labour group leader, said he was relieved, adding: "When I came in this morning I thought I’d probably not made it.”

Andy said he was “gutted for Kim as she’s worked very hard”, adding that he was “sad for Steve [Rolfe]” too. 

Andy said there seems to be “emerging pattern”, reflected nationally, of “high profile candidates being rewarded at the ballots”.

“It’s been a difficult campaign and it’s good to be re-elected. 

“It’s also a grim National picture, but we did gain a seat on Hampshire County Council so I think we can hold our heads up high."