LOCAL ELECTIONS: Tory majority slashed after big Lib Dems gains in Dacorum

Despite winning 31 seats for a majority, the Conservatives lost three cabinet members, including community services portfolio holder Cllr Neil Harden.

In total the Lib Dems won 19 seats, a huge gain from the five seats they picked up in 2015.

Lib Dem leader Cllr Ron Tindall told the Gazette: "All our candidates found that their hard work paid off, and their commitment to serving their communities means that we exceeded my expectations.

"We will be a group that will force the Conservatives to account for their decisions."

The Tory leader of the council Cllr Andrew Williams was re-elected, after moving to the safe seat of Adeyfield East.

However, residents of his former seat, Boxmoor, elected three Lib Dem candidates, ousting two Tory cabinet members in the process.

Labour, who were defending two seats, were wiped out completely from the council.

While Independent candidate Jan Maddern beat Tory Rene De Silva comfortably to retain her Nash Mills seat.

A solicitor, Mr De Silva made headlines after his candidacy was announced when it emerged that a professional tribunal had described him and his colleagues as “reckless” for his role in “misappropriating client money”.

See full results here: www.dacorum.gov.uk/home/council-democracy/elections-and-voting/elections-2019/borough-election-results-2019