The Conservative Party was today confident it would take over running Braintree Council after Labour suffered major losses

Champagne corks were flying for the Tories, which became the biggest party on Braintree Council in last night's elections.

The Labour Party suffered a shock defeat losing ten seats including that of council leader Ian Pointon.

They have now lost control of the council

The Labour Party, though it did not have an overall majority before yesterday's elections, ran the council as a minority administration.

The Conservatives increased their number of seats on the council from 17 to 27, making them the biggest party on the council, just short of the 31 seats needed to control the council outright.

They now look likely to run the council either as part of a coalition or as a minority administration.

David Finch, Conservative leader who was successfully elected councillor for Hatfield Peverel, said: "This is a major achievement for the Conservatives and for common sense.

"We focused on local issues and not on national politics and we've heard the message loud and clear because people want quality services and effective, efficient services."

Published Friday, May 2, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette