Liberal Democrats take aim at Tory seats after stunning local election wins [Video]

The Liberal Democrats made “historic and stunning” gains in the local elections, Sir Ed Davey has said.

The Lib Dem leader travelled to Dorset to greet winning councillors, as the party eyed up its chances at Tory-held constituencies ahead of a general election.

In the councils which went to the polls on May 2, the Lib Dems won more seats overall than the Conservatives did.

The party beat the Tories into second place, winning 552 seats, up nearly 100.

The Conservatives are just behind on 515 seats, down nearly 400.

Labour won 1,158 seats, an increase of more than 232.

The Lib Dems’ most significant victory was in Dorset, where they gained the council from the Tories.

The party now has …