Councillors and supporters have reacted to North Herts Council's local election results. 

Labour made six gains, bringing their total to 25 members, while Liberal Democrats gained four, bringing their total to 19, and Conservatives made eight losses, leaving them with seven members. 

Ruth Brown, Liberal Democrat councillor and deputy council leader told the Comet: "We're very happy with the overall result and look forward to discussions with Labour.

"Thank you to all the candidates, campaigners, back room staff, deliverers, and everyone who worked so hard to make this result possible. 

"It will be the highest number of Liberal Democrats ever on North Herts Council and I'm very proud of the team effort. Nobody gets elected without a team!"

The Comet: Ruth Brown, Liberal Democrat councillorRuth Brown, Liberal Democrat councillor (Image: Georgia Barrow, Newsquest)

Alistair Strathern MP, Labour’s candidate for the new Hitchin Constituency, is “delighted” at gains made by Labour council candidates.

The Comet: Alistair Stathern MP for Mid Beds at the North Herts election countAlistair Stathern MP for Mid Beds at the North Herts election count (Image: Will Durrant, LDRs)

He said: “I’m delighted at the gains we’ve made locally here in Hitchin, with a set of fantastic local Labour councillors representing our communities.

“These results confirm the choice facing voters looking for change in Hitchin. It will be Labour versus the Conservatives at the next general election here in the new Hitchin constituency."

The Comet: Council leader Elizabeth DennisCouncil leader Elizabeth Dennis (Image: Rebecca Stewart)

Labour council leader Elizabeth Dennis took to Twitter and said: "Thank you so much to everyone for your support, whether you voted, campaigned with us, worked or volunteered for the count. Today’s results are fantastic."

During the count, former Conservative councillor and candidate Morgan Derbyshire commented on the national impact on local elections for the embattled party.

The Comet: Morgan Derbyshire, Conservative candidateMorgan Derbyshire, Conservative candidate (Image: Georgia Barrow, Newsquest)He said: "I think we will retain some councillors in North Herts. it's not the ideal result, but the national picture hasn't helped us.

"We've done our best, and at least now councillors will be in for four years so there will be some stability for longer term planning."