Tories painted Sussex blue after retaining control of both county councils.

Last night they learnt they had brought their total number of East Sussex County councillors to 29, giving them a majority of nine seats.

Their number of West Sussex county councillors rose to 46, a majority of 22 seats.

Councillor Peter Jones, leader of East Sussex County Council's Conservative group, said the party was absolutely delighted it had increased its majority by five seats but insisted there was no room for complacency.

He said: "We have got a lot more work to do in raising standards at schools.

"We will recruit more outstanding headteachers because school leadership is crucial. We will also invest in support services at our schools.

"We've got a big problem with bed blocking.

"We are determined to make the Government understand it has been underfunding health and social services and we need more resources to provide high quality care for the elderly.

"We are also determined to improve the economy of East Sussex. One thing we are looking at is moving the county council out of Lewes to just west of Polegate where a rail station will be built.

"This will help create a new thriving community with new houses, shops and offices in the centre of the county."

East Sussex County Council's Liberal Democrat group also celebrated last night with a gain in Uckfield, bringing its total number of councillors up from 13 to 14.

Councillor David Rogers, leader of the Lib Dem group, said: "There were no big surprises.

"The results were pretty much as before so we're pleased we've been able to hold our own against the Conservatives.

"One of our main fights was against the Tories' proposals for an incinerator in Newhaven. Virtually all the seats between Brighton and Eastbourne were won by the Lib Dems, showing people don't want an incinerator.

"We have been fighting it for six years and will continue to do so."

Voters were out to punish East Sussex County Council's Labour group.

Its total number of councillors fell from seven to five. The total number of Labour councillors at West Sussex County Council also fell from 11 to seven.

West Sussex County Council's Lib Dems had a slight bruising, bringing their total number of councillors down two to 17.

Councillor Henry Smith, leader of the Conservative group, said: "We are looking forward to the next four years.

"We want to continue our investment in public services such as building a new library in Crawley.

"We are also looking to increase efficiencies so we can keep council tax down.

"Another priority will be devolving decisions. We will be creating more local county committees which will make decisions on local matters rather than them being made at Chichester."