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

The results are a switch of last year's elections when the Liberal Democrats secured 20 seats with the Conservatives having only 16.

Tensions were 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."

"There is an important part to remember in this and it is what we have done. While we have been in power for the past two years we have brought you the revamping of the town centre, Marshall's Yard, Market Rasen's swimming pool and vast improvements in Caistor."

"I have enjoyed my time as leader and it is now time for someone else to have a go and let's see what the Conservatives can do to benefit the people of West Lindsey."

The percentage of residents who turned out to vote varied with the lowest in Gainsborough East Ward at 20.76 per cent and the highest at 50.68 per cent in the Stow Ward.

Coun Gill Bardsley returned to the district council after a year's absence.

She beat Jimmy Snee by 52 votes with 691 in Gainsborough North Ward.

"It has been quite a tense evening but I am really pleased to be back on the council."

"We had to have our votes recounted as initially we thought there was one vote in it but it turned out to be a lot more than that."

"I am looking forward to representing the people of my ward in the near future," said Coun Bardsley.

During the evening and into the early hours - celebrations followed commiserations.

New candidate Callum Newton, from Lea, lost out to Coun Trevor Young for the Gainsborough South West Ward seat.

"I am not disappointed with the result at all."

"This is the first time ever I have stood for election and you have to start from somewhere."

"This opportunity has enabled me to get the UK Independence Party message out there in Gainsborough," said Mr Newton.

Out of the 13 seats contested, eight were won by the Conservatives and five by the Liberal Democrats.

"I am very pleased with the process of the elections tonight," said returning officer and chief executive Duncan Sharkey.

"We have had two recounts in the district but all the staff and people involved have been very good and this marks the start of a new leadership."