The Conservatives swept back into power with a convincing victory in south Oxfordshire.

After eight years in the political wilderness in a council run by a Liberal Democrat and Labour pact, the Conservatives now have an overall majority and will form the cabinet under leader Ann Ducker.

The first result in heralded disaster for the Liberal Democrats -- council chairman John Griffin lost his seat to Conservative candidate Mark Jennings. Their ward at Crowmarsh was the guinea pig for electronic voting. A recount was demanded and the papers inside the ballot box tallied perfectly with the electronic numbers.

Chief executive David Buckle said: "This was an impressive display of new technology -- in a few years' time all voting in south Oxfordshire could be done by this method."

Other high profile figures to fall were council leader and cabinet chairman Jan Morgan (Lib Dem) from Cholsey, cabinet finance man Nick Hards (Lab) in Didcot, and cabinet environment representative Robin Peirce (Lib Dem) from Woodcote.

As the results came in, Mrs Morgan said: "Politics is a tough business and I have nothing to say about losing my seat -- the electorate decided what they wanted. I am disappointed overall but I am proud of our record of moving the district council forward in our years in power -- I hope that momentum is not now lost."

Mrs Ducker said: "Obviously we are highly delighted with the result.

"Our teams worked hard and achieved a marvellous victory. After the euphoria we must get down to the serious business of doing our best for the people of south Oxfordshire."

The only place to buck the trend was Henley where Henley Residents' Group gained all four seats.

Thame's mayor Mike Welply and Wallingford's mayor Nigel Moor are both newcomers to the council for the Conservatives.

The make-up of the council now (with pre-election figures in brackets) is: Conservative 27 (22), Liberal Democrat 9 (17), Labour 4 (7), Independents 4 (4), Henley Residents 4.

The turnout was 35.2 per cent.