The Lib Dem group have gained a new seat at Brentwood Council after winning the by-election in Shenfield.
Liz Cohen won the contest after getting 728 votes giving her a majority of 171 over Conservative candidate Stephen May.
The seat had been vacated by Tory councillor Lionel Lee in October after he stood down in order to care for his ill wife.
By gaining the seat, the Lib Dems now have nine council members, while the Tories move down to 25.
Labour has two councillors and Independents one.
SHENFIELD BY-ELECTION RESULT:
Liz Cohen (Lib Dem) - 728
Stephen May (Con) - 557
David Watt (UKIP) - 119
Richard Millwood (Lab) - 31
Turnout - 33.40 per cent.
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