Reform UK biggest party on East Sussex County Council - but miss out on majority
The party won 22 seats
Reform UK has become East Sussex County Council's biggest party - but missed out on a majority.
The party gained 22 of the 26 needed for a majority.
It includes in parts of Crowborough, where residents have protested for months over a decision to house hundreds of asylum seekers in a former military camp there.
The Conservatives' almost three decade stint ended - with the party gaining just three seats.
Hastings voted for Green control - marking the party's first ever South East majority.
The new council will meet for the first time on the 21st of May,
In a Facebook post, Reform UK's Bexhill and Battle branch described it as "an incredible result":
"While in Battle & Crowhurst, long considered Liberal Democrat heartland, Reform UK surged into a very strong second place, showing just how rapidly politics is changing across the area," it said.
"These results send a clear message.
"Residents are tired of complacency, tired of being ignored, and want representatives who will challenge the status quo and fight for local communities.
Meanwhile, the Conservatives also lost hold in West Sussex.
Labour led the way for Crawley and Adur - but the party lost their control over in Worthing.
No party reached a majority, with a meeting due to take place later this month to find out who will lead the new council.
Elected officials will serve around half their usual term, with the county set to ditch it's local authorities for a single, mayor-led authority by 2028.