LABOUR won the only seat to change hands in Colchester, and are hoping it is a sign of things to come in the upcoming General Election.

Lee Scordis took Abbey ward away from the Liberal Democrats with a majority of 155.

Mr Scordis, who is a borough councillor for Old Heath and the Hythe said: “My borough ward covers a third of the division so I had a good personal vote and has helped me push into other areas.

“The main issues people have been talking to me about are potholes, congestion, street lights and adult social care and I want to make sure my focus is on residents.”

Labour also held their other seats in Colchester with stalwart councillor Dave Harris easing to a comfortable victory in Maypole and Julie Young holding off a challenge from Liberal Democrat Mark Cory in the Wivenhoe St Andrew ward.

Tim Young, Labour’s parliamentary candidate for the General Election on June 8 said: “Tonight shows there is a substantial Labour vote in Colchester.

“Julie, Dave and Lee are three outstanding candidates and I think tonight shows the general election is likely to be a battle between Labour and the Tories.

“The Liberal Democrats are going backwards while we are going forward.”

The Conservative party held their four Colchester seats and made significant gains elsewhere in the county.

Braintree and Witham Times:

Drury division winner Sue Lissimore said: “I’m very proud.

“We have worked very hard over the last four years in areas which are not necessarily traditionally Conservative and it has paid off.

“This results gives us a mandate to continue to work for Essex.”

Conservative Will Quince is hoping to retain his Parliamentary seat and said he was encouraged by the Tory performance in Colchester.

He said: “If you take a look at votes as a whole it seems as though more people voted for the Conservatives than any other party.

“It leaves us in a very good place for the general elections and I think it is a good indicator, although I do expect turnout to be higher.

“But we cannot be complacent and will have to fight for every vote.”

Liberal Democrat Anne Turrell confirmed this would be her final term in the county council after retaining her Mile End and Highwoods seat.

Braintree and Witham Times:

She said: “The two main issues are congestion and school places.

“There are plans for new schools in Mile End and I want to make sure the plans do come to pass.”

The Lib Dems also retained the Parsons Heath and East Gates ward, with John Baker returning to local politics having served as a borough councillor in the 1980s and nineties taking over the seat from colleague Theresa Higgins.

For full results click here.

Other general election candidates include Sir Bob Russell (Lib Dem) and Mark Goacher (Green).