Weymouth and Portland has its first Green Party councillor and Conservatives remain largest party

The evening also saw Mike Byatt, who had been leader of the Labour group on the council, lose his seat to Liberal Democrat candidate Sally Maslin.

No party has overall control of the council. The Conservatives have 14 seats, Labour have 12, and the Liberal Democrats have six. 

There are two Independents, one UKIP councillor and now, for the first time, one Green Party councillor.

Jonathan Orrell, a local GP, was voted in as that Green Party councillor to represent Weymouth East. 

Commenting on his win, Dr Orrell said it was one small leap for mankind and one giant leap for the West and South Dorset Green Party.

He said: "It does prove if you vote for Green you can get Green."

Jonathan Orrell with supporters Caz Dennett (left) and Anne Clements (right)

Dr Orrell said he was 'very excited' and he wished to make a difference by improving air quality and housing.

His victory follows the election of Clare Sutton, who became the first Green on Dorset County Council when she won the Rodwell by election in Weymouth in November.
 
Green Campaign Manager Caz Dennett said: “People are saying it is time for a change. They are telling us they want councillors who will fight austerity and work to preserve community values.”
 
Dr Orrell has already joined Cllr Sutton in organising the campaign that has highlighted the health risks caused by traffic pollution on Boot Hill.
 
Dr Orrell added: “As a GP I treat the sick, as a Green councillor I will treat the causes of sickness

“Poor air quality, and damp, overcrowded housing for many people living in Weymouth are two big issues I want to tackle."

It was the final result of the evening which saw 13 seats up for grabs. 

Voters from 12 wards in Weymouth and Portland went to the polls on Thursday to cast their vote in the local elections.

The total number of votes received in the borough elections was 14,179, which equates to a 34.8 per cent turnout.

Ian Bruce, who was re-elected to represent Preston, said: "In terms of the control of the council, very little has changed. 

"I'm fairly confident the Conservatives will still be chairing the management committee."

Cllr Andy Blackwood, who spoke on behalf of the council's Labour group, said: "We are very, very pleased with the result tonight. 

"We were obviously defending eight out of the 13 seats. That was always going to be tough. 

"We're bitterly disappointed we have lost Westham East and Mike Byatt.

"To have taken Melcombe Regis and to have taken both Wyke Regis (seats) is a really, really good result. 

"We are very, very pleased on the whole with how things have gone tonight."

Results were verified between 10pm and midnight. Shortly afterwards, Ian Roebuck, representing the Liberal Democrats, was announced as the first winner of the night. 

He will continue to represent Radipole. Speaking afterwards, he said: "I would just like to thank the people of Radipole for again giving me their confidence."

Lib Dem Sally Maslin, who came ahead of Mike Byatt in the election for Westham East, said she was 'overwhelmed' by the result.

She said: "I didn't expect anything. As I said, it was in the hands of God.

"We have worked hard at it. We have met so many lovely people on their doorsteps. That has made it really special."

Sally Maslin (Liberal Democrat) will be the new councillor for Westham East

Labour held onto both Tophill West and Underhill. Ray Nowak will continue to represent the former whilst Sandy West will represent the latter.

Speaking afterwards, Mrs West said she was 'really happy' and that there was a good team on Portland.

She said: "We are doing what we can for the islanders.

"I'm a bit gobsmacked. It's been terrific and the people have been so supportive."

Labour also held onto Littlemoor and Melcombe Regis.

Ann Weaving will represent Littlemoor whilst Tia Roos will represent Melcombe Regis. 

Ms Weaving replaces Rachel Rogers whilst Ms Roos replaces Stewart Pearson, after both decided not to run for re-election.

After being announced as the winning candidate, Ms Roos said: "I'm absolutely elated. This is the best thing ever. 

"I'm really proud of the people who worked with me. Everybody worked really hard."

Tia Roos (right) was elected to represent Melcombe Regis

Labour had further cause to celebrate when it also kept hold of two seats in Wyke Regis. Wyke Regis had two seats up for grabs following a by-election.

These were taken by Kate Wheller and Lucy Hamilton. 

Ms Wheller, standing on behalf of Labour and the Co-operative Party, thanked everyone who had helped her during the campaign and said she was looking forward to working with Ms Hamilton.

Colin Huckle, representing Labour, held onto his seat in Weymouth West and vowed to continue to do his best for the ward and borough.

Gill Taylor, standing on behalf of the Liberal Democrats, was re-elected to represent Westham West. 

During her speech, she said:"I'm from Leicester and I would like to say, didn't they do well this week?'"

Ms Taylor said Westham West was a 'brilliant community' and she was very pleased to have been re-elected. 

Ryan Hope, standing on behalf of the Liberal Democrats, also retained his seat in Westham North.

He said: "I'm still the youngest councillor and I think it is great Southill and Westham feel they have the confidence in myself and the Liberal Democrats to re-elect me." 

Mr Hope said he would continue fighting on pressing issues.