NEW Labour councillors in Wycombe have hailed the “huge” result yesterday which nearly led them to become the official opposition party.

Labour has increased its representatives at Wycombe District Council from two to seven.

But the final ward result declared last night – in Micklefield – meant the Liberal Democrats remained the second largest party by taking the final two seats.

They have eight councillors – but Lib Dems were shocked by the ousting of Leader Steve Guy.

He was beaten by Labour's Ian Bates and Chauhdry Shafique in the Totteridge ward.

Mr Bates said: “This huge result and record turn out at the polling stations across the town demonstrates just how strong the feeling is against the Tory led council in Wycombe, combined with the obvious local impact that the national coalition's savage cuts are having.”

In Oakridge and Castlefield, Sebert Graham, Mohammed Hanif and Rachel Knight were all elected, after the ward had been controlled by the Tories for eight years.

The Conservatives were also kicked out of the Disraeli ward.

Victors Ahmed Khalil and Victoria Groulef hailed the win calling it a "huge honour" and saying they "meant business" for constituents.

Wycombe Labour expressed its delight at strong performances in other wards, where it came second and an increased number of votes.

Nationally, Labour gained 800 councillors, whilst the Lib Dem vote plummeted.