LABOUR crowned a successful set of local election results by taking control of Witney Town Council.

The party has 11 representatives on the council after voters had their say on Thursday, compared to just five Conservatives.

It marks a complete shift in power in the chamber, which was previously comprised of 15 Tories and two Labour councillors.

The council had been Tory-controlled for at least 10 years, although it is unconfirmed whether this is the first time Labour has been the ruling party.

A new leader and mayor will be officially elected at next Wednesday's annual council meeting at the town hall.

It is expected that new town councillor Rosa Bolger, who is also a district councillor for Witney East, will be voted leader.

Read again: District council election results in West Oxfordshire

She said: "I’m utterly delighted that the people of Witney voted for such a positive overhaul of their town council. The new town council will be an inclusive, welcoming, engaged council, listening to its residents and involving them in positive, radical change in our wonderful town."

The district's Labour group leader, Duncan Enright, is set to be voted mayor.

He said: "Our team of councillors is diverse, energetic and creative.

"But we know the town is full of great people, doing great things, which is why we want to turn the town council inside out, and support the best of Witney, rather than just sit in our town hall holding meetings."

The party's success came at the expense of several notable Conservatives, including Witney mayor for 2018/19, Brenda Churchill, and ex-council chief Dean Temple.

Read again: Why ex-council chief Dean Temple faced no confidence vote

The pair lost their seats after finishing fifth in Witney central and north wards respectively.

David Harvey, who had been interim council leader since December, has kept his seat and will represent Burwell ward.

Conservative Thomas Ashby, 19, will be the youngest councillor in the chamber after he was elected in Witney West.

Andrew Prosser, the Green Party's sole representative on the council, was elected to north ward.