The Conservatives may have won no council seats in Watford's local elections, but they say they are pleased to have increased their share of the vote.

The party says a high level of community engagement paid off with a significant rise in their vote share of 4.5 per cent in the borough elections and 3.9 per cent in the mayoral election, held on May 3.

Liberal Democrat candidate Cllr Peter Taylor won the mayoral election, and the Lib Dems gained one council seat from Labour, with one third of wards up for grabs.

Chairman of Watford Conservative Association Linda Topping said: “Our hard work has clearly been noticed and appreciated by voters in Watford, which is reflected by our increased vote share.

"We are moving in the right direction and we will build on this result to offer Watford’s residents a viable Conservative voice on our council in the future.

“Richard Harrington has done a great job in representing our town as MP for several years now, I think voters are starting to realise how positive a Conservative influence could be on the local level as well.

“I would also like to congratulate Peter Taylor on his appointment as Elected Mayor and thank Baroness Dorothy Thornhill for her years of service as she steps down."