Brentwood saw a “sensational” result last night as Shenfield lost its Conservative seat.

Tory councillor Margaret Brehaut lost out to Liberal Democrat Graeme Clark, who was standing for the first time.

Another shock result came as Conservative councillor and current mayor Joan Holmes lost her seat to Karen Chilvers, helping the Liberal Democrats in Brentwood to buck the national trend by gaining seats instead of losing them.

Leader of Brentwood’s Liberal Democrats, and of the opposition party, David Kendall, said: “I am absolutely delighted with the results we achieved last night.

“To hold two seats and gain two seats in a difficult national political environment was very pleasing.

“To win Shenfield was sensational and it proves that residents are not prepared to be taken for granted.”

He added about the Liberal Democrats’ local success: “We targeted our resources very carefully, we put the time and effort in and we fought very hard-hitting campaigns focusing on local issues.

Elsewhere Labour’s Julie Morrissey won her seat in Brentwood South by beating David Bishop.

She said: “I have to thank the residents of Brentwood South for their support, I am the first Labour woman to represent Brentwood for 30 years, which I am delighted about.” She will join her husband Mike Le-Surf on the council.

Borough council elections took place in 13 wards. The Conservatives, with 26, seats are still the largest party; the Liberal Democrats have eight; Labour has two, and there is one independent councillor.