Milton Keynes Conservative Group said it was ‘proud’ to gain seats at last week’s Milton Keynes City Council elections, despite what it called ‘a difficult national environment’ for the political party.

The Conservatives increased their share of councillors from nine to 12, with the authority remaining in no overall control.

The Conservative Group held its annual general meeting on May 9, when Shazna Muzammil, elected to the Tattenhoe ward with 1,817 votes, was re-elected as group leader.

Peter Geary, elected to the Olney & Rural ward with 2,255 votes, was selected as deputy group leader for the Milton Keynes Conservative Group.

The Milton Keynes Conservative Group, pictured following their annual general meeting on May 8, said they were proud to gain seats across the city at this month's city council elections

placeholder image — The Milton Keynes Conservative Group, pictured following their annual general meeting on May 8, said they were proud to gain seats across the city at this month's city council elections

Reacting to the results, Cllr Muzammil told the Citizen: “In what was a difficult national environment for the Conservatives, we are proud to have grown our group from nine to 12 councillors, gaining seats across Milton Keynes and increasing our support in many areas of the city.

“Throughout the campaign, residents repeatedly raised concerns about rising council tax, worsening services, pressure on infrastructure, overdevelopment, and a feeling that local people are not being properly listened to by the current Labour administration.

“Our message was simple - fix the basics, stand up for residents, and ensure growth is matched with proper infrastructure and services.

“Discussions are ongoing regarding the future leadership of the council, and we respect that process.

“As a group, we will continue to be a strong, constructive and hardworking voice for residents across Milton Keynes.

“Where proposals are sensible and genuinely in the interests of residents, we will work constructively.

“But where decisions fail residents or waste taxpayers’ money, we will continue to hold the administration firmly to account.”

Following the elections, the first since changes to ward boundaries across the city, the Liberal Democrats have most councillors on the authority with 20, closely followed by Labour with 19.

The elections also saw Reform UK earn their first seats in Milton Keynes, as the party had nine councillors elected, and achieved the highest share of the vote, with 24 per cent.

A new leader for the council is due to be elected at a council meeting on May 20, with the Liberal Democrats announcing Jane Carr, and Labour announcing Lauren Townsend, as their respective candidates for the position.