DEVOID of any major shocks or upsets, election night in Colchester ultimately proved to be a somewhat dull affair.

As was the case prior to residents heading to the ballot boxes, Colchester Council is likely to remain a joint administration.

The authority is expected to move forward once again as a Liberal Democrat, Labour and Green coalition after all parties successfully defended their seats.

The Conservative group remains the majority party with 19 seats, however, closely followed by the Lib Dems and Labour with 15 each and the Green Party with two.

Although the evening did not appear all that exciting for neutrals, candidates who proved most popular at the polls clearly enjoyed the night. 

Check out our gallery of Colchester's happy winners revelling in their victories. 

All pictures: Steve Brading