What is really going on in politics? Get our daily email briefing straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Labour has hailed success in Trafford after the party took back full control of the council for the first time since 2003 - ending a long run of Tory rule.

Until last year it was the only blue local authority in Greater Manchester in a sea of red.

But on Thursday night Tories lost all nine of the seats they were defending, confirming their worst fears during the campaign.

Labour won all six of the seats it was targeting, while the Greens also took one from the Tories in Altrincham and the Lib Dems one in Timperley.

It is the result of a long term campaign in the area but was also hailed as a success from the national party during a tough night.

It was especially significant as Labour had some relatively tough results in some of its northern heartlands.

it will also be cause for celebration: a big northern Tory council scalp on a night where the party appears to be getting a bit of a kicking - relatively speaking - in some existing Labour-controlled northern areas.

Hailing the result in Trafford, Shadow Women and Equalities Minister Dawn Butler said; "We're really pleased that we have won Trafford.

"I'm sure we will add to that as the evening wears on."

Labour lost nine seats in Sunderland, seven seats in both Barnsley and Bolton and five seats in South Tyneside.

Labour Party spokesperson: “Taking Trafford Council is a great result for Labour and has completely extinguished Tory blue from the Greater Manchester map.

"Voters have seen over the last year what a difference Labour can make and have given the Labour councillors a thumping vote of confidence.”