A YOUNG Conservative candidate has offered some reflections on the council election - and what this means for the Conservative party in Cumberland.

The events in the early hours of Friday morning saw Labour take the Cumberland Council, winning 30 seats out of 46, whilst the Conservative party gained only seven seats.

Following the bruising night, Carlisle City Council leader John Mallinson blamed Prime Minister Boris Johnson for the party's performance, suggesting that national politics had affected how people voted locally.

But Oliver Dorgan, who ran in the election, said that more time was needed to unpick what had gone so wrong.

"Clearly, on the day, we have not performed as well as hoped," he said.

"But I know that after speaking to hundreds of residents on the doorstep that there is still significant support for our mission and purpose.

"I think it's too early and even rash to point the finger. We as a party have a lot more listening to do. I fully intend to get back out on the doorstep and engage with residents.

"We need to be rooted in our communities to get back to the position I know we can be in."

Oliver stood for councillor in the Mirehouse ward and wished Mike Hawkins, the eventual winner, his best wishes in serving the people of Mirehouse.

Across the country, the Conservatives saw significant losses, and the Prime Minister admitted the results were 'mixed'. Labour made some gains, and the Liberal Democrats and Greens both saw good performances.

Despite the heavy defeat, Oliver is upbeat about the future of the local party.

"From a young Conservative perspective, I'm starting to feel a little old! With more grey hairs than an average man in his early twenties.

"I've seen our party at its highs and lows over the past few years, I know what we are capable of in terms of vision and delivery and I know we can do it again."

READ MORE: Carlisle leader John Mallinson blames PM for painful defeat