Green candidates across the country have today made breakthroughs onto new councils and defended seats in strongholds against Labour.

The Green Party of England and Wales has so far gained eight council seats in the local elections, bringing the total to 28 seats.

It contested 943 seats in 119 councils, and was defending 22 seats already held.

Green leader and MP for Brighton Pavilion, Caroline Lucas, said:

"This positive set of results for the Greens is a clear sign that our party is growing in confidence and steadily building support.

"We've made some superb gains in the West Midlands and Yorkshire, as well as holding firm in key battlegrounds such as Norwich, where the Greens remain the official Council opposition.

"I want to congratulate all of our candidates up and down the country on their hard work, great ideas and strong commitment in this elections campaign, and to thank all of those who voted for a greener, fairer future at the ballot box."

ENDS