Labour retains control of Blackpool Council with increased majority

The Conservatives secured 14 seats, while none of the other parties were successful.

Coun Lynn Williams, leader of the Labour group, said their clear manifesto had resonated with people on the doorstep.

She said: "The Conservatives locally and nationally are in chaos.

"We have had thousands of doorstep conversations with residents and time and time again they told us they felt let down and ignored because the Conservatives do not understand the difficulties working people are struggling with.

"We have been very clear in our manifesto and people can see our plans are in progress.

"We are incredibly delighted the people of Blackpool have given us their trust and are looking forward to continuing the work we are doing in the town."

At the last elections in 2019, Labour secured a majority of 23 to 15 Conservatives and four independents.

Over the term of office, this had changed to 20 Labour councillors, with 13 Conservatives and nine independents.

Coun Paul Galley, spokesperson for the Conservative group, said while they had not made many gains, the party was creating a new base in the town to build from.

He said: "While it may appear to some that nothing has changed, everything has changed.

"The average age of the group has gone down by 20 years, there are more females and there is a general view Blackpool Conservatism needs to represent something more positive that is fundamental to delivering the needs of the people of Blackpool.

"I got the biggest vote of any Blackpool councillor and that demonstrates the direction we are going - very community focused aimed at building happiness."

The results mean some familiar faces have lost their seats - with longstanding councillor Maxine Callow losing out in Norbreck, along with former Conservative group leader Tony Williams, after both stood as independents.

Maxine said: "It is disappointing, but that's democracy and the wish of the people.