A TIDE of Tory triumph swept across West Somerset as the Conservatives retained control at both national and local government level in last Thursday's elections.

Ian Liddell-Grainger, who has held the Bridgwater and West Somerset seat for the Tories since 2001, was returned as MP for the constituency with an increased majority.

The Conservatives also strengthened their grip on West Somerset Council, increasing their previous tally of councillors by two to 21.

However, UKIP enjoyed a surge of support, with its candidate Stephen Fitzgerald from Porlock in runner-up position in the parliamentary poll, securing 10,437 votes against Mr Liddell-Grainger's 25,020.

And the party also emerged from the district council battle with four councillors.