CONSERVATIVES on?West Devon Council were jubilant last week as they swept to power in the borough elections.

The party now holds 19 of the 31 seats in the council chamber — the first time it has been in control.

But while it was all smiles for the Tories, their national coalition partners the Liberal Democrats suffered at the hands of voters, losing five of their eight borough councillors.

Conservative group leader James McInnes (seated, centre) is pictured with some of the party's 19 councillors.

For a report and the full results see page 11.

Picture by James Bird