LABOUR has retained control of Warrington Borough Council after fending off a challenge in the all-out elections.

But the Conservatives have taken over from the Liberal Democrats as the town's main opposition party.

Voters went to the polls on Thursday following a unique election campaign amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The count took place at Birchwood Tennis and Leisure Centre today, Saturday, with results being announced throughout the afternoon.

And it can now be confirmed that Labour has managed to retain control of the Town Hall.

They have 36 seats - a loss of seven from 2016 but enough to keep control.

It has been a great afternoon for the Conservatives too.

They now have 11 councillors, compared to just one in Lymm before Thursday.

Taking three seats from Labour in Culcheth and three from the Liberal Democrats in Appleton. They also took one from Labour in Chapelford and Old Hall.

And one from Labour in Birchwood.

Three executive members have lost their seats - Matt Smith in Culcheth, Judith Guthrie in Birchwood and Rebecca Knowles in Chapelford and Old Hall.

While former Warrington South MP Faisal Rashid lost his attempt to get back on the council.

The Liberal Democrats have had a disappointing afternoon but still hold eight seats as it stands - down from 11.

Former Mayor Linda Dirir lost in Penketh with three independents winning there, Andy Heaver, Geoff Fellows and Craig Lenihan.

There are 22 wards in Warrington. The council is composed of 58 councillors, who serve for a four-year term.

Every seat in the town was up for grabs in the elections.

Going into the elections on Thursday, Labour had control of the council with 43 seats at the Town Hall, while there were 11 Liberal Democrats, three independents and one Tory.

Labour needed to win 30 seats to retain overall control of the council.