Newcomer Coun Bryn Jones snatched the seat by a narrow majority, receiving 526 votes over the ousted former deputy leader of the Labour party, Phil Skelding, who secured 459 votes.

Coun Jones said he was absolutely over the moon with his success, which he owed to the strong leadership of the Conservative Party.

"It's all down to the hard work of the party, without whom this would never have happened," he said. "Thanks to all the voters – I want to make this a better community for everyone and a better place to live."

Coun Mike Quigley, leader of Bassetlaw Council, also emerged victorious – holding onto his seat in Retford East by a clear majority.

He bagged 1,148 votes over Labour candidate Robert Clyndes's 420 and Independent Michael Jenkins' 422.

But after the results were announced, Coun Quigley accused the opposition of waging a dirty personal attack on him.

"I must have been accused of doing everything but murder someone," said Coun Quigley.

"A dirty campaign was fought in my ward and there was a lot of rubbish information distributed by the other candidates. It just shows that these sort of lies don't work."

The Conservatives now hold seven seats across the Retford wards, although they failed to secure Harworth, as Tracey Taylor lost out by 431 votes to Labour councillor David Challinor, who won 1,009 votes.

This win helped to cushion the blow for Labour who lost and gained two seats across the district – meaning the party broke even and now retain their 16 seats on the council.

"We have to face the fact that Labour have done very poor nationally, but in Bassetlaw we have done reasonably well, and for that I thank the voters in the district," said Graham Oxby leader of the Labour Party.

"I very much regret the loss of Phil Skelding in Retford South," he added. "He is a supremely intelligent and active man and has done a lot of work for the people of Retford. He will be sorely missed."

Elsewhere in the parish council elections, seats went uncontested for 10 parish councils, with re-elections taking place only for Clarborough and Welham.

This council now comprises of Lesley Baines, Denis Cockerton, Ann Codling, Maurice Collins, Philip Gibson, Geoffrey Hawdon, Vivienne Lilley, Freda Robinson and Bob Stockdale.