The Conservatives won an historic victory in Maidstone and tightened their grip on Swale and Tunbridge Wells in the local elections.

The Maidstone triumph was the first time since 1982 that any party has claimed an outright majority in the County Town.

Conservative group leader Cllr Eric Hotson pledged to revive an axed travel voucher scheme for people with disabilities after the victory.

In Tunbridge Wells, the Conservatives took a step towards complete domination of the council, winning three seats from the Lib Dems. It leaves the council with just four Lib Dem councillors in opposition.

The Tories also won an expected victory in Swale.

The results in Kent mirrored the picture nationally as the Tories enjoyed gains, while Labour endured its worst performance in 40 years.

Labour looks set to drop into third place behind the Liberal Democrats. Voter turnout is thought to have been around 35 per cent.