Tories were celebrating the best results at the polls - but narrowly failed to win an overall majority.
The Conservative party gained two extra seats in the Colchester Council local elections overall - including the prized scalp of Liberal Democrat leader Colin Sykes.
Meanwhile Labour suffered a humiliating night in many wards where the Greens pushed them into fourth place, but held on to the one seat they were defending.
Tories now have 30 seats on the council with the Lib Dems on 21, Labour with seven and High Woods independents with two.
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