The Conservatives continued their blistering form in Dartford tonight after increasing the number of council seats in the borough elections.

The Tories won 34 out of a possible 44 seats on the council, adding five on what they had previously.

Both Labour and the Swanscombe and Greenhithe Residents Association lost members including Labour leader Geoff Prout, who was ousted from Princes ward.

The result came after the Conservatives swept to power in the general election, winning an unexpected overall majority with 331 seats.

Council leader Jeremy Kite said: "It's really nice to think all the work we put in during the campaign and in the years ahead has been recognised. I'm delighted for our candidates.

"I feel for those who stood and didn't win and I also feel for those on the opposition sides who expected to do well but didn't. I can't deny it's been a very good day for us."

Candidates were subjected to an anxious wait before the first set of results were declared, made worse when a power cut at Acacia Hall delayed proceedings.

MP Gareth Johnson and parliamentary candidates Simon Thomson (Lab) and Andy Blatchford (Green) were among those who returned following last night's general election.

While the Conservatives enjoyed a successful night, main rivals Labour endured another difficult evening losing four seats to bring the total number of members to seven.

Party leader Geoff Prout said his defeat was down to voters being attracted by Ukip.

He said: "I'm obviously disappointed with the result tonight. They reflect the national picture and it is down to the Labour Party to address the Ukip issue.

"I do feel there were a sufficient number of people who were attracted to vote for them and we need to fight to keep Ukip out of Dartford.

"As a pro-European I have no room for what they stand for."

The Swanscombe and Greenhithe Residents Association remain with three seats on the council.