Hertsmere stays blue: Conservatives hold on to power by a comfortable majority in local elections

The incumbent party won 37 seats in this election – three more than their previous total of 34.

The Labour group lost three of their five seats, leaving just two councillors in Cowley Hill.

Hertsmere Borough Council changed its constitution last year meaning all seats were contested today, even though it used to elect a third of its representatives at a time.

Hundreds of people flocked to Allum Hall in Elstree to hear the results and support their parties and the candidates.

The biggest shock of the day saw Labour leader Ann Harrison, who has held the role for 12 years, lose out to newcomer, Conservative David Burcombe.

There was just 23 votes between Ms Harrison and Cllr Burcombe, who emerged victorious as Cowley Hill’s first ever Tory representative.

Ms Harrison said: “A lot of people didn’t realise they had to vote three times which was undemocratic, it left a lot of people confused. I think that’s why I lost.

“I am obviously gutted. I didn’t expect that result this morning at all. I will miss standing on the Film Studios Board the most.”

Her role as leader is likely to be taken onCn by Cllr Richard Butler, who was re-elected in Cowley Hill. Cllr Butler missed out on becoming Hertsmere’s next MP last night to Conservative Oliver Dowden.

Cllr Butler said: “I am grateful to be back but I am really sorry to have lost Ann. It’s a real shame. She has been a fantastic leader for 12 years.”

Ann Harrison, centre, with Michelle Vince and Richard Butler

Conservative Cllr John Donne, (below), won 77, a Conservative in Potters Bar Parkfield, is entering his 24th year as a councillor after winning 3,005 votes.

Conservative Cynthia Barker, the town’s first ever Filipino councillor, won in Potters Bar Furzefield. She said: “I am really humbled to have been selected by the residents. I never imagined I would be standing here.

“I am looking forward to the challenges and working with residents. The atmosphere has been tense but buzzing here all day.”

Rob Calcutt, who stood as an Independent after being deselected by the Tories, missed out on staying on as a councillor with 506 votes. That ward went to Conservatives Ruth Lyon, Jean Heywood and Penny Swallow.

Hertsmere Council leader, Conservative councillor Morris Bright kept his seat in Elstree with 1,893 votes. He said: "I was elected for the first time 16 years ago and I am personally delighted that the people of Elstree have voted for us. It is not a fluke.

“We have worked very hard to get our message across and that is we always put our residents first."

Cllr Morris Bright with Cllr Harvey Cohen, who represents Elstree