Victorious Labour group leader Doug Taylor has thanked voters for boosting the party’s majority at Enfield Borough Council.

A marathon count that took more than eight hours saw Labour romp home with a resounding 19-seat majority.

The party held firm in the east of the borough and shocked many by claiming seats in western wards such as Chase, Southgate Green and Winchmore Hill.

Tired by a long night's work, Cllr Taylor thanked residents.

He said: “I would like to thank all the residents who have come out to support Labour at this election. The residents have recognised that the Labour council has done a good job over the past four years.

“It also shows that residents are more confident in a Labour council than a Conservative council in delivering a better future.

“There will undoubtedly be difficult times ahead but we are confident in improving the borough.”

When asked if he was shocked at the increase in the Labour margin, deputy leader Achilleas Georgiou said: “We are not surprised to see red spread west across the borough this year. We campaigned very hard and got what we deserved.”

In contrast, it was a difficult evening for the Conservative Party who once had control of the Council between 2002 to 2010.

After being re-elected in Cockfosters ward, leader of the Conservatives Michael Lavender suggested in an announcement that his party's support had been affected by the European elections that were also taking place.

He said: “I look forward to the year when a council election is not contaminated by other elections. Last time we had the general election and this time the European election.”