THE former leader of Southampton City Council said Labour has to reflect on today's results.

A few hours after losing control of the council, former leader Christopher Hammond said the results came "as a bit of a surprise".

It comes as Labour lost control of the council as the Conservatives gained seven seats and swept back to power after nine years.

Read all the Southampton City Council results in full 

Cllr Hammond, Labour leader in the city, said he was expecting to lose some seats but he admitted that losing control of the council was "a surprise".

Talking about the reasons behind the results he said: "National circumstances did have an impact on us here in the city. The vaccine bounce has helped the Conservatives. People have been unclear nationally about what Labour is putting forward. We need to do more, sharpen up our messages and listen. Keir [Starmer] said that Labour needs to change and adapt."

He said Labour needs to reflect on today's results and understand why their messages "do not resonate" with residents.

When asked what impact the transport plans put forward by his administration had on today's results, Cllr Hammond said: "I am a motorist and I love driving but you cannot have the entirety of the road space dedicated to a single form of transport.

"It has not been about being anti-motorists. It has been about creating a greener city. Some people might have not voted for us because of this but the Greens have done particularly well. More people have come out supporting this agenda."

It comes as new cycle lanes put in place across the city last year proved controversial, with the Tories accusing Labour of being "anti-motorists".

Asked about Labour's plans going forward, Cllr Hammond said: "We will hold them [the Conservatives] to account for what they promised. They are inheriting a rejuvenated council and they have got an incredible plan on the table."

He added: "It was a tough set of results and we are going to have to reflect on what has been said and where we go from here."