The Conservatives have kept hold of their majority on Uttlesford District Council despite fierce battles from Residents for Uttlesford.

Howard Rolfe successfully maintained his place on the council, by defeating Dan Starr in Ashdon by a mere 42 votes and is one of 23 Conservatives at UDC.

Councillor Rolfe said: “It completes an excellent 48 hours after the national picture.

“To retain a majority at Uttlesford District Council after a challenging election, we are delighted.

“We are grateful to the people who have voted for us and we will do our absolute best to fulfil the faith they have put in us.

“We have a clear manifesto and we’ll work to put that into practice from next week.”

Residents For Uttlesford, who had a strong showing in Saffron Walden and Newport, will form the opposition, with nine councillors. The support for the group wasn’t as strong in Dunmow, where party leader Keith Mackman lost his seat.

Liberal Democrats lost their place as the second largest group and finished the day with six candidates.

Mark Lemon will be the only Independent at the table.