The new composition of the council is: Tory 22 seats (+2); Labour 21 (-1); Lib Dems 19 (+1); Greens four (no change), BNP 2 (-1) and one for Save Huddersfield NHS (no change).

Council leader Robert Light (Birstall and Birkenshaw) said at Friday's count: "It's been a good day. The Conservatives have gained two seats across the borough and the votes have gone up virtually everywhere, some by a massive amount.

"People are seeing that the local Conservatives have proved they are making a difference and see the great leadership of David Cameron on a national level."

He said the party would be in discussions with members of the Liberal Democrats and Labour groups for support in their leadership of the council.

In Liversedge and Gomersal, Coun Margaret Bates (Con) was victorious with a majority of 1,656 votes.

She said: "I am absolutely delighted that the electorate of Liversedge and Gomersal have voted me into the council for another four years and I am extremely grateful to all those who have supported me.

"I'm so thrilled because this is my 17th year as a councillor.

"I will carry on my work within the ward as there is still more to do.

"The retention of the green belt is very important to me and I will fight to retain it and use derelict buildings where we can. In the coming year I hope to see the children's programme, Building Schools for the Future through, and I will be doing more work in supporting the elderly – through the freeze on council tax and where our senior citizens need help and the council can give, it, we will ensure they receive it."

Andrew Palfreeman (Con, Birstall and Birkenshaw), retained his seat in the ward with a majority of 1,686 votes.

He said: "It was a good win. I never take anything for granted. I will continue trying to make Birstall and Birkenshaw a nicer environment, and trying to reduce the low level crime that we know is a problem.

"I will continue to represent Kirklees in the way that I have tried to do for the last 10 years."