SOUTHAMPTON'S Labour leader has said it will take time to "unpick" issues left by the former Conservative administration after winning this year's election.

The Labour party have taken back control of Southampton City Council following a year out of power. 

The close contest saw the Tories lose control of the authority just one year from gaining a majority.

READ MORE: Labour take back control of Southampton City Council

Following on from the success on Thursday night, Labour leader, Satvir Kaur has said the party feels "honoured."

She said: "Labour is honoured to be trusted by the people of Southampton again to lead our great city.

"The results were a clear vote of no confidence in this short-lived Conservative administration and their chaotic plans.

"While it may take some time to unpick some of the issues they’ve left us, we’re keen to start delivering for local people.

"Labour has a new team with a new vision for Southampton.

"Our plan is to make Southampton a safer, greener and more affordable city where people can take pride in their neighbourhoods."

The council is now made up of 26 Labour councillors, 21 Conservatives and one Liberal Democrat.

READ NEXT: Full list of results for Southampton City Council elections

The result sees the Conservative party lose four seats in total with Labour gaining four, whilst the Lib Dems won their first seat on the city council for almost ten years. 

Labour gained seats in Millbrook, Peartree, Bitterne Park and Shirley. 

Outgoing council leader, Cllr Daniel Fitzhenry, has said that the result is "disappointing." 

He said: "[It's] disappointing that we’re not running the council after what I think has been a great year of Conservative-run council.

"We’ve come out of a pandemic, and there are a number of difficult issues the country needs to grapple with and naturally people are feeling a level of uncertainty, and are unsure.

READ MORE: 'A very disappointing result': Tories speak out after Labour snatch back power

"But as a Conservative group, running the council I believe we did the best job we could to deliver for people, keep costs low, and hopefully will be back in a year’s time to crack on with the job."

The balance of power could shift once again next year as all seats will be up for grabs.

The Bargate ward is set to be split between Bargate North and Bargate South due to an increase in population.