The Conservatives have lost control of Folkestone and Hythe District Council following today’s shocking results.

Both Labour and the Greens gained five seats across the district, with the Tories now only holding five.

Cllr Jim Martin, leader of the Green Party, has revealed hopes of a potential coalition with Labour in order to take control of the previously Tory-led council.

The Green Party now hold a total 11 seats, with Labour Party finishing on 10.

Cllr Jim Martin said: “We are absolutely delighted.

“It has been a clear message from the people in Folkestone and Hythe that they want change and they want to move away from the tribal politics that the Conservatives are so fond of.”

Cllr Martin confirmed that the Green Party would be entering talks with potential coalition partners.

“Our talk will be with Labour and the Lib Dems.

“Nothing is agreed at the moment, but we will look for some common denominators to try and improve the district for all who live there.”

Cllr David Monk, leader of FHDC before today’s results, lost his seat in the North Downs East Ward.

Reflecting on a difficult day for his party, he said: "Slightly disappointed but it was expected.

"It didn't help that Phillip Martin in all his wisdom decided to stand against us. Those 400 votes cost us.

"We have been here before and we will come back from it. When your own party messes the membership about the way ours has, you have to expect some fallout."

Cllr Martin spoke to KentOnline about his plans with the controversial Princes Parade development following the Greens’ success. The party has long campaigned against the scheme.

“I was the chair of Save Princes Parade for 10 years.

“It is a huge issue in Hythe, Cheriton and even in North Downs East.

“We must find a swift and definitive solution to Princes Parade, it will be top of my agenda.”

Leader of the Labour Party, Connor McConville was delighted with how the day panned out for them.

Cllr McConville also confirmed they would be in talks with the Green Party to form a majority.

Cllr McConville said: “Today has been an amazing day, the people of Folkestone have spoken.

“We are going to let the dust settle. But we have worked closely with other parties over the years and we are hopeful that we can find some common ground.”

Conservative MP, Damian Collins, also spoke on the disastrous day for the Tory Party.

"A very disappointing result. It's a very challenging election and we always knew that would be the case.

"We have lost some good councillors which I am really disappointed about.

"A lot of elections are still very close but across the country it has been challenging day. But, you would expect this when you have a party that has been in government for as long as we have,” he said.

A total of 30 seats in the district were up for grabs.

The Green Party took 11, Labour 10, the Conservatives five, and the Lib Dems and Independent parties won two each.