THE Tories powered home with an incredible victory at the ballot box today, winning 38 out of 44 seats on Cotswold District Council.

The Conservative Party is set to dominate the council chamber for the next four years despite the best efforts of the Liberal Democrats and Independent Group.

Cirencester, in particular, was dominated by Tory candidates, who won seven out of ten seats up for grabs.

Elsewhere in the district, the colour blue reigned supreme. Only two Independent candidates won through, in Tetbury, while the Lib Dems now hold just three seats in Cirencester and one new seat in Churn Valley.

Leader of the council Lynden Stowe (Con, Campden-Vale) said he was especially pleased with the results in Cirencester, Fairford, where outgoing mayor Chris Roberts and Cllr Raymond Theodoulou won, and the Water Park, which is now represented by three Tories.

He said: "This has been a phenomenal result for us and it's clear we have a mandate to get on and do the job.

"The voters have put their trust in us for another four years and we will make sure we return that trust. I am absolutely delighted."

Newly-elected Richard Dickinson (Con, Stratton-Whiteway) thanked his voters and pledged to work with re-elected Cllr Margaret Edney (Lib Dem, Stratton-Whiteway) for the local community. "I look forward to working with her in the interests of the people of Stratton," he said.

Several Liberal Democrat and Independent candidates lost their seats, allowing for the Tories to increase their majority by eight seats.

Independents Sandy Price, Rod Hooper, Christine Eatwell all lost out, as did Lib Dems Shirley Alexander, John Leicester and Anne Clark.

Cllr Peter Martin (Ind, Tetbury), now one of just two independent councillors on the council, said he was very concerned with the Tory stranglehold.

"We have been the only effective critical voice over the last four years and the Conservatives have done everything they can to try and get rid of us," he said.

"The council needs a voice of opposition. That's very important. But we are not dead and buried."

The Liberal Democrats blamed a backlash against Tony Blair for the whitewash but vowed to fight back at the next election.

Cllr Deryck Nash (Lib Dem, Cirencester Chesterton) said: "It is a reflection of what has happened nationally.

"The public has used the Conservatives to protest against the Labour Government and the Lib Dems are suffering as a result. It's very disappointing."

Christine Eatwell, former independent for Kempsford-Lechlade, said the result was very worrying. She said: "It is very sad politics has been allowed to come into local government with such an aggressive campaign carried out by the Conservatives."