The Conservative Party increased its majority on Cherwell District Council yesterday's local elections - while the Liberal Democrats became the main opposition party ahead of Labour.

Sixteen of the council's 50 seats were contested.

Tories won 13, Lib Dems 2, and Labour one.

The gains and losses saw the Conservatives take three seats from Labour, but lose one to the Lib Dems.

The figures mean a net gain of two seats for the Tories, a loss of three for Labour, and an increase of one for the Lib Dems.

The overall number of seats for each party on the council is now Conservative 41 (up from 39), Lib Dems 5 (up from 4), and Labour 4 (down from 7).

A notable success in Banbury came from try-again councillor Keith Strangwood, whose victory celebrations were with tinged with sadness after a family tragedy had prevented him from contesting the seat last year.

Mr Strangwood won Banbury's Ruscote ward, thought to be a Labour stronghold, for the Conservative Party and dedicated the win to his family - particularly to his father Gerald who died suddenly last year at the age of 73 from a heart attack.

Mr Strangwood senior had been a strong supporter of his son's political ambitions, and had helped out during previous elections campaigns by canvassing and delivering leaflets.

Mr Strangwood, who won the seat in 2000, but lost it again in 2001, suffered further defeats at the hands of the voters in 2003 and 2004.

He did not stand in 2006 because of the death of his father, but was nominated again this year to contest the seat left vacant by the retirement of long-standing Labour councillor Janet Justice.

When the votes were counted, Mr Strangwood polled 764 votes, 195 more than Labour's Martin Weir, while UKIP candidate Mark Clifton, with 130 votes, pushed Lib Dem Andrew Murray (92) into fourth place.

Mr Strangwood said: "It is a victory for those who really believe in what they are doing, and who fight the hardest.

"This is for Bretch Hill and the Conservative Party. I did not make any wild promises, I just campaigned positively, telling people what I would do for them if I was elected.

"The Tories control Cherwell, and therefore hold the purse strings. We can do things for Ruscote that the other parties cannot do."

"I want to dedicate this win to my family and my helpers, but especially to my dad."

First time campaigner Christopher Smithson held Grimsbury and Castle for the Tories.

He said: "I was born in Grimsbury and after 24 years in the army I have come back to live in Grimsbury.

"I am a community person and want to hear the community's views. The ward boundaries mean I represent Grimsbury and part of the town centre, and I will serve both areas to the best of my ability."

John Wyse, spokesman for the LibDems, said: "We are sorry to have lost Richard Makepeace who has been a councillor in The Astons and Heyfords for nine years, but we are pleased that Nick Cotter was successful in Bicester South. He is a young man full of promise, and will be an asset to the LibDems and to the council."

Leader of the council Barry Wood said: "The results reflect the national trend. The Tory party is looking forward to forming the next Government."