THE Tories retained their iron grip on Rochford District Council with victory in all 15 seats at the polls.

Tory council leader Terry Cutmore said the greatest victory of the night was retaining Sweyne Park ward in Rayleigh.

Had the Liberal Democrats taken the seat, it would have meant the whole of West Rayleigh would have been under their control.

There were few other surprises on the night as the Tories maintained their dominance on the district.

The tone of the evening was set with the first result announced - Rayleigh Central ward, won by Tory Tony Humphries.

By contrast Labour said the battle was over before it even began.

Agent and Rochford ward candidate Myra Weir said she didn't expect the group to do well.

Indeed, Labour candidates fielded some of the lowest results of the evening, with Sheila Downard collecting just 61 votes in Hockley North.

The BNP gained more votes than Labour in the two seats it fielded candidates - Hockley North and Hullbridge.

English Democrats fielded five candidates, none of whom were elected.

The Liberal Democrats made no losses nor gains.

Group leader Chris Black said: "It leaves the make-up of the council much the same as it was."

The new political make-up is as follows:

Conservative 33

Liberal Democrat 5 Rochford Resident 1