LABOUR has won back control of Gravesham Council after a four-year Conservative term.

Voters across the borough turned out to give the party a 25 seat majority over the Conservatives' 19.

The move makes Labour leader Cllr John Burden leader of the council, leaving Cllr Mike Snelling to step down from the role.

Labour won back control in Painters Ash, Singlewell and Central to claw back six seats.

The count at Woodville Halls, which also saw AV votes collated but not counted, lasted until 6am.

Cllr Burden, who represents the Northfleet South ward, said his main aim is to reintegrate with the community.

He said: "It's a sure victory for Labour over the Conservatives.

"I think today went particularly well and shows the community have expressed their concerns over the Conservative cuts."

Cllr Snelling, who continues to respresent the Meopham North ward, said he was "disappointed", but that in four year's time, he would be back to lead a second Conservative council in Gravesham.