Newly-elected Labour councillors have described themselves as "really happy" after the party gained two seats in the 2024 St Albans City & District local elections.

The elections took place today (Friday, May 3) and saw 19 of the 21 seats available remain with their previous parties.

The only change saw Labour's Mike Hobday and Emma Turnbull elected in London Colney, taking seats from the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats.

Cllr Mike Hobday said: "The last few months have been exhausting, but invigorating to talk to lots of people on the doorstep and to understand the issues that are important to them.

"I'm really proud of the whole Labour team, who worked really hard to get this result.

"We thought London Colney was a seat that we had a good chance of winning and fortunately our messages landed well with local residents."

Cllr Emma Turnbull added: "We're really happy.

"We worked exceptionally hard, and we're really grateful for people in London Colney for having elected two Labour candidates."

Despite the Liberal Democrats losing a seat in London Colney, the party's representatives remained positive on the outcome on the election.

Herts Advertiser: St Albans MP Daisy Cooper.St Albans MP Daisy Cooper. (Image: Danny Loo Photography 2018)

Daisy Cooper, MP for St Albans, said: “I’m so pleased to see this resounding vote of confidence in the local Liberal Democrats' forward-looking vision for our area.

“Together we have shown the difference that hard-working Liberal Democrats can make."

Herts Advertiser: Retiring council leader Chris White giving a speech at the end of proceedings.Retiring council leader Chris White giving a speech at the end of proceedings. (Image: Pearce Bates)

Chris White, retiring leader of the St Albans City and District Council, added: “We are humbled by today’s win. Liberal Democrats have a track record of delivering here in St Albans.

"From our award-winning charter market to safeguarding our environment, to protecting vital services in the face of cuts from central government, Liberal Democrats are putting St Albans first.

Herts Advertiser: Inside the 2024 St Albans local election count.Inside the 2024 St Albans local election count. (Image: Pearce Bates)

“Our Liberal Democrat candidates, campaigners and councillors continue to work tirelessly to keep St Albans moving forward.

“We are incredibly proud of our team here in St Albans district and are over the moon with today’s success.”

Herts Advertiser: Conservative Parliamentary candidate James SpencerConservative Parliamentary candidate James Spencer (Image: Courtesy of James Spencer)

The positivity shown by the Liberal Democrats was not shared by the Conservative Party in St Albans.

Parliamentary candidate James Spencer commented: "It's very disappointing.

"We've got a lot of really hard-working community activists like our candidates in St Stephen, Marshalswick East & Jersey Farm and in London Colney.

"We were very close to getting them over the line, all three of those are within 200 votes of doing it.

Herts Advertiser: Re-elected Cllr Juliet Voisey (centre), with Cllr Matt Fisher and Cllr Simon Grover.Re-elected Cllr Juliet Voisey (centre), with Cllr Matt Fisher and Cllr Simon Grover. (Image: Cllr Matt Fisher)

"Our campaigns were run really well, I think it's just the national picture which has hurt us this evening.

"However, I think if you take the results across the board the Greens have done very well this evening, Labour's taken some seats, it's not a ringing endorsement for the Liberals here in St Albans."

Lastly, having secured the re-election of Cllr Juliet Voisey in St Peters, her colleague Cllr Matt Fisher gave a glowing endorsement of the local politician.

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"She's been super pro-active, having her alongside myself - obviously she got in during the by-election last June.

"Juliet has been in about 10-and-a-half months and its been really encouraging.

Herts Advertiser: Juliet Voisey was re-elected in St Peters ward.Juliet Voisey was re-elected in St Peters ward. (Image: Cllr Matt Fisher)

"She's a shining example of what a councillor is, let alone a Green councillor."