UK Liberal Democrats (LibDems) leader Sir Edward Davey declared a ‘turning point’ as the party made hundreds of gains of Council seats in the local elections held in parts of England, Wales and Scotland on Thursday 5 May.

The LibDems ended the night winning more than 700 seats across the country, gaining some 200 seats and regaining control of many local councils across the country including in seats where the sitting MP is a Conservative and the party will be targeting in the next Parliamentary elections.

"What began as a tremor in Chesham and Amersham, and an earthquake in North Shropshire, is now an almighty shockwave that will bring the Conservative Government tumbling down,” he said, referring to the by-election victories of recent years where a Liberal Democrat candidate overturned a large Conservative majority to win the seat. "It is the movement of millions of people saying loud and clear: ‘We have had enough’,” he added.

“Yesterday’s results were a historic moment. I'm incredibly proud of all our new councillors, and of the tireless efforts of our members, supporters, candidates, and campaigners who went above and beyond to make it happen. Thank you,” he concluded.

One highlight for the party was regaining control of Somerset Council, and doing so unseating a Conservative Councillor who was head of a unit that the Conservative Party’s set up to defeat the LibDems.

Meanwhile, the Conservatives lost over 500 seats and control of 11 Councils, and Labour continued to make gains within London where elections were held in every borough.

In case you missed it, something happened yesterday. pic.twitter.com/Rwx08XklzS

— Liberal Democrats (@LibDems) May 7, 2022

Liberal Democrats are winning and we're ready to beat Conservative MPs at the next General Election. 🔶⏫ pic.twitter.com/26RcUauSdF

— Liberal Democrats (@LibDems) May 9, 2022

Liberal Democrats have shown we can beat Conservatives.

At the next General Election we can defeat Conservative MPs and throw the Conservatives out of Downing Street.@EdwardJDavey #Raworth pic.twitter.com/AhoKpjGM2P

— Liberal Democrats (@LibDems) May 8, 2022

Photo credit: Mike Ross