CONSERVATIVES stormed to victory in Hillingdon last night (Thursday) at the local elections.

Hillingdon Tories gained 15 seats across the borough, giving them a total of 45 seats out of 65 on the council.

A delighted leader of Hillingdon Council, Ray Puddifoot, told the Hillingdon Times: "It has been an amazing night. We are feeling good, and it is down to a lot of hard work.

"I would put this result down to three things. Firstly, the record of achievement we have got in the borough, secondly, the leadership of David Cameron, and thirdly, the leadership of Tony Blair."

He added: "The people of Hillingdon have put their trust in us for the next four years, and we won't let them down."

In the Conservative landslide, Labour lost nine seats, and the Liberal Democrats lost six.

They lost all of their seats to the Conservatives two in Hillingdon East, one in South Ruislip, one in Manor. They also lost two seats in Cavendish ward one of which belonged to Cllr Steve Carey, leader of the Liberal Democrats.

The Liberal Democrats now have only two seats on the council.

Leader of the Labour group, councillor Mike Usher, also lost his seat in the local elections on Thursday. Conservatives now have 45 seats on the council, Labour has 18, and the Liberal Democrats have just two.

For a full report, see next Thursday's printed edition.