The Conservatives have become the largest party on Cornwall Council after yesterday’s local election, though they fell short of winning overall control.

The council was previously controlled by an alliance of independents and Liberal Democrats.

Tory wins in 46 of the 122 seats being contested poured cold water on the possibility of a Liberal Democrat ’surge’ in Cornwall.

The Liberal Democrats won 37 seats, followed by 30 Independent councillors. 

Labour have five seats including Dorothy Kirk in Calstock and Gunnislake, and Mebyon Kernow four, including Andrew Long, who held his Callington seat.

The unitary authority’s remaining 123rd seat, Bodmin St Petroc, will be contested at a later date. It was delayed following the death of Liberal Democrat councillor Steve Rogerson.

The turnout was almost 40%.