A LABOUR councillor has snatched a Conservative seat for the first time in this year's local elections.

Bitterne Park, the predominantly Conservative ward, has now turned red after Cllr Tony Bunday pipped his fellow candidates to the post.

He won with a 255 majority on a 37.79 per cent turnout in the ward.

It is understood that before Southampton City Council became a unitary authority, there was only one Labour councillor for the Bitterne Park area.

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For Cllr Bunday, this makes his efforts over the past few months worthwhile.

He said: "I stood for a ward I live in, and I think that is very important.

"I think I won because I was the only local candidate and I am already embedded in my ward.

"Bitterne Park is a fantastic place to live and I want it to be the best it can be and bring all the passion into my role.

"We have been working hard as a dedicated group and did a fantastic job.

"Until two months ago we didn't expect there to be an upset on the cards, but people have been responding to me really well.

"I felt I would have a chance of winning and that feeling became stronger as days went by."