Rugby Labour is well placed to drive forward its manifesto pledges after a positive campaign secured two gains from the Conservatives.

Labour has closed a 20% gap in share of the vote in two years, and is set to become the largest single party by share of the vote.

Leader of the Labour Group on Rugby Borough Council, Cllr Maggie O’Rourke (Benn Ward) said: “I want to thank people across Rugby Borough who have put their trust in us to deliver the change that they clearly want after so many years of the Conservatives running the Council. Voters have sent a clear message to the Conservatives: the people of Rugby know that they deserve better.

“They want Councillors with the vision, skills, and commitment to the community that will be necessary to rebuild after the complacency and laziness of the Tory years. I’m delighted for our newly elected Councillors. Their diverse backgrounds reflect our dynamic and growing borough and their wide range of professional skills mean that our Group on the Council will be even better equipped to take on the challenges of rebuilding after the damage done by the Conservatives locally and nationally through cuts and underinvestment.”

“We’ve campaigned positively on how we would renew Rugby together with the community if we formed an administration. There will inevitably be a period of uncertainty given that the Council is now in ‘no overall control’. I want to assure residents that Rugby Labour’s group of Councillors will continue the positive, business-like approach we’ve taken that combines our commitment to transparency, partnership with stakeholders, and efficiency with our deep understanding of the community’s needs and commitment to a fairer society.

Labour’s newly elected Councillor for Admirals & Cawston ward, Cllr Louise Robinson said: “As a Rugby resident of 27 years I’m really happy that the town that it has backed Labour today. It’s good to see this replicated around the country. So many young people I know are disillusioned with politics, so I’m looking forward to doing what I can to get them more engaged in politics. I’m also hoping to take forward our agenda of protecting the environment and the green belt.

Labour’s newly elected Councillor for Coton & Boughton, Cllr Senthil Periasamy said: “I’m overwhelmed by the support I received from the people of Coton and Boughton. We have a lot of work to do now, to improve the standard of living for residents, and I’m ready to get going, starting now.”

Newly elected Labour Councillor for Newbold & Brownsover, Cllr Nooria Sayani, said: “I enjoyed meeting residents of Newbold & Brownsover. They were very friendly and welcoming. I look forward to listening to people’s concerns in these hard times and working together to provide solutions for our community.”

Cllr O’Rourke becomes Mayor of Rugby Borough on 18 May at which point she steps down as leader of the Labour Group of Councillors on RBC. The Labour Group of Councillors will elect a new leader before this date.