The Tories have won control of Richmond Council.

The final result of the night in Kew sealed the victory and also claimed the biggest political casualty.

Council leader Serge Lourie, who had served on the authority for 28 years, lost his seat by just six votes.

A delighted Nick True, the new leader of Richmond Council, said the victory was tinged with sadness at the loss of his colleague Martin Seymour.

Mr Seymour failed to secure enough votes to win a seat in the Hampton North ward.

Coun True said Mr Seymour would have played a big part in the new administration.

The Tories won control with 30 seats to the Lib Dems' 24.

Coun True said: "It is a big swing. It is a slap in the face for the Lib Dems both in the parliamentary count and the local count.

"They need to learn lessons from that.

"We have won in all parts of the borough. We won in Richmond, but also in Heathfield, Whitton, St Margarets and Hampton Wick.

"We picked up seats across the borough and our aim will be to consolidate over the next four years.

"I am incredibly grateful to all the people of the borough who supported us. We will need to be worthy of that."