The Conservatives have added another victory to their tally in the local elections in Devon.
They have taken control of North Devon District Council from the Liberal Democrats, who had control of the council with a majority of one.
With all the votes now in, the make-up of the council now stands at 22 seats for the Conservatives, 17 for the Lib Dems and four Independents.
There was an unusually high turnout of more than 56%.
'Lost quite badly'
The Conservatives gained 12 seats while the Lib Dems lost five with the Independents losing seven.
Lib Dem Malcolm Prowse, who has been leader of the North Devon District Council for the past 16 years, said he was not surprised by the result.
Mr Prowse, who held his own seat of Bratton Fleming with an increased majority, said: "I was not surprised - when I had seen the results last night and overnight from the national situation.
"There were also issues here locally, particularly county council issues which the Conservatives openly campaigned on.
"Having said that I accept we lost this election and we lost it quite badly today."
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
