A dent has been made in the Conservative majority at South Norfolk Council - despite the party returning a majority.

The district candidates gathered at Norfolk Showground on May 5 to discover the results of this year's election, with votes being cast 24 hours earlier.

The Conservatives began the morning with 26 seats more than their closest rivals, the Liberal Democrats, and ended the day having lost eight but secured exactly enough to retain control.

The council leader, John Fuller, spoke early in the day, just before securing his re-election, about the hope for the party to outperform the national situation.

Eastern Daily Press: South Norfolk council leader, John Fuller South Norfolk council leader, John Fuller (Image: Aaron McMillan)

Mr Fuller said: “I hoped that we had outperformed other Conservatives across the country, to have retained control. I’m not sure if we have as I’ve been in this bubble all day.

“I always believed we would either secure 24 or 36 seats, but the story is how split the vote is. It shows that people are looking closer than ever at the candidate they vote for.”

Labour made large gains, having only had one seat before the election and ending up with nine.

Eastern Daily Press: Jeremy Rowe, who was the only Labour councillor before today in South Norfolk, reflected on a great day for the partyJeremy Rowe, who was the only Labour councillor before today in South Norfolk, reflected on a great day for the party (Image: Aaron McMillan)

Jeremy Rowe, the only Labour councillor before the election, said: “It is humbling, we are so proud of the support we have achieved.

“We will work hard to deliver to the people who put their trust in us.”

Eastern Daily Press: John Cook, an independent councillor for Newton Flotman beat off both a Conservative and Labour candidate to secure the seat. John Cook, an independent councillor for Newton Flotman beat off both a Conservative and Labour candidate to secure the seat. (Image: Aaron McMillan)

There was also a shock as John Cook, an independent councillor for Newton Flotman, beat off both a Conservative and Labour candidate to secure the seat.

Mr Cook spoke about representing local people’s voices due to ongoing planning in his area: “I’m thrilled. My message was: if you vote for me, I will vote for you and I will make sure your voice is heard."