The Conservatives have taken control at Teignbridge Council after winning 26 seats on the authority. The Liberal Democrats, who have led for eight years with the support of independent members, lost seven seats taking their total down to 13. The independents retain seven seats, one down on the previous administration. Lib Dem leader, Cllr Alan Connett, retained his Kenton with Starcross seat but could not say if he would remain in charge of his party. 'That is a conversation for another day,' he said. Leader elect, Cllr Jeremy Christopers, said his party's victory would bring about joined up thinking in the district as both its MPs, county council and neighbouring districts were Tory-run. 'It will put an end to the political shenanigans that have hampered efforts to bring about efficiency and drive down costs,' he said. Cllr Christophers paid tribute to the former administration's handling of the council's finances but he said it had failed to deliver on services, notably housing which would become a priority with local communities, particularly in villages, encouraged to consider moderate growth to meet demand.