Tories lose comfortable majority as Lib Dem surge sees them take control
The conservatives suffered a heavy defeat during last night's local elections - losing 31 seats on Chelmsford's council.
The Liberal Democrats achieved a shock victory securing 26 extra seats and taking overall majority of Chelmsford City Council.
Chelmsford Conservative MP Vicky Ford became visibly upset as her party lost its comfortable majority.
The independents also gained five seats resulting in the new make up of the council 31 Liberal Democrats, 21 Conservatives and five independents.
The Tories also lost overall control of Basildon, Tendring and Southend Borough Council but managed to retain control of Castle Point, Rochford, Braintree and Brentwood.
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