MONMOUTHSHIRE County Council turned a deeper shade of blue last week when the Conservatives increased their majority by three seats.

Following Thursday's local elections, the Tories now have 28 councillors, up from 25. The losers on the night were Labour - who had their share of seats cut with two losses and one gain. The new Council also features five Liberal Democrats, one Independent and one Plaid Cymru member.

The biggest shock of the night was Labour leader Rob Griffiths, who had represented the Lansdown ward, losing his seat to local postman James George, from the Liberal Democrat party.

Another surprise came for the electors in the Grosmont and Crucorney areas, who learned on Friday morning that long-standing Independent Cllr Bob Wilcox had lost his seat to Conservative Andrew James.

The biggest shock in the south of the county was the news that Labour's Mike Smith had lost his seat in Rogiet to Linda Guppy of the Liberal Democrats. Her father, Gerald Robbins, sat as an Independent councillor up until the last election when he stood down after many years.

Other Labour councillors to lose their seats in the south were Olive Evans and Pam Birchall.

Mrs Evans, a former chairman of the council, lost out to James Harris, who changed from an Independent member to join the Tories and choose to stand against her in Undy. The turnout in Mrs Birchall's ward, St Christopher's, was only 35.7 per cent.

Another ex-chairman to lose his seat was Anthony Carrington. He came fourth of the five candidates in Llanelly, with Independent Simon Howarth topping the poll with 887 votes. Second was the ex-Labour councillor Giles Howard, who picked up 624 as a Conservative this time around. Adrian Edwards, current chairman of Llanelly community council, polled 545 and Mr Carrington 458. Martin Thomas, another former Labour member, polled 310.

Labour's Christine Walby was very close from losing Govilon following the retirement of Verona Nelmes. The Conservative candidate, Owen Marsh, was just three votes behind.