The Tories, supported by Gainsborough MP Edward Leigh, came out on top of Thursday's results gaining four seats taking them to 20 members on the authority with the Liberal Democrats only securing 16.

The results are a complete switcharound of the previous election when the Liberal Democrats secured 20 seats and the Conservatives held 16.

The tension was felt by many losers and winners at the Gainsborough ward count in the Guildhall in Marshall's Yard.

Gainsborough North Ward and the Nettleham Ward votes had to be recounted by council staff.

But cheers of joy filled the council headquarters when the Tories realised they had gained control after a two-year absence.

"I am really delighted to be back in leadership of the council," said Coun Bernard Theobald, leader of the Conservative party."

"I think the first thing to do is to see what has been going on at the authority over the last two years."

"We will look at the finances, getting them in better shape and I want to prove, as a group, that we will bring value for money to the people of West Lindsey."

"When we were previously in leadership we were responsible for introducing wheelie bins and bringing a brand new Guildhall and chief executive and the Liberal Democrats can't take any claims on that level," he said.

But former leader of the council Reg Shore said he was not disappointed.

"This is democracy isn't it? And the way it works."