THE Conservative Party strengthened its hold on Hampshire County Council as Ukip suffered a complete wipeout in local party elections.

In total the Tories bagged 52 per cent of the vote and 56 seats, an increase of nine on its previous tally of 47 seats.

Meanwhile the Lib Dems managed 27 per cent of the vote and 19 seats, while Labour won two and Community Campaign (Hart) won one.

The results in Hampshire were broadly in keeping with the national picture, where Ukip failed to win a single seat it was contesting and Labour also struggled.

Big-name councillors including Conservatives Roy Perry and Rob Humby retained their seats, while former Eastleigh Lib Dem MP won Bishopstoke and Fair Oak.

Cllr Sean Woodward, leader of Fareham Borough Council, said: "We have done really well across the whole county tonight and the result just shows the great support that we are getting for what we are doing locally.

"It will be a great springboard for the national election next month.”

In Romsey, Lib Dem Cllr Alan Dowden retained his Baddesley seat while fellow party member Mark Cooper also kept his Romsey Town seat.

Cllr Dowden said: "A big thank you to all those who voted for me," he added.

"And a thank you for the confidence you have once again shown in me - hopefully this means I must be doing something right."