LIVE: Milton Keynes Council election 2018 results as they happened

Well, that's the end of the count, and while we're a little clearer on how the political makeup of this council will appear looking forward - we're still none the wiser as to who will be leading it.

It's the behind-the-scenes talks now that will largely determine where this administration heads over the next term.

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"I'm actually quite positive. We are coming off a a tough year defending 10 seats, we defended a lot of them and actually gained one.

"Unfortunately we also dropped a couple of seats, but overall although I'm not happy I'm satisfied.

"No party commands an overall majority. It's not necessarily about having the most seats, it's about having the confidence on major issues. So we'll be talking over the coming days."

"It's been a fantastic campaign, I couldn't fault anyone. We came close in a few other wards as well.

"We will speak to both other parties, but let's be clear that we are the largest party, and we have the mandate.

"Our message of change has caught on. We had lots of people telling us about issues such as the state of the roads and the homelessness crisis."

Effectively, like last time around, Douglas McCall and his Liberal Democrat party will hold a lot of power here.

Douglas predicted another hung council prior to the count, and has said he will talk with both other parties to work out how to best serve Milton Keynes.

Last time, his party backed Pete Marland and his Labour party. This time though, the Conservatives have more seats - and that will no doubt be a big consideration as talks take place over the next few days.

The Tories are the big winners of this election - they now have the most seats. Before this they were neck and neck with Labour on 22 each.

Tories now have 24 seats. But it doesn't necessarily mean that they will take control of the council despite having the most seats. Discussions will take place over the next few days between all three main parties as to who takes this new look council forward.

Just Bletchley Park left after a recount was ordered.

This is now about to get very interesting. We have six wards left and a lot of them are about to announced.

Big result for Labour, as Anthony Brown narrowly beats out Tory Jenny Richards. Former Conservative leader Edith Bald had stepped down.

Longstanding Lib Dem Derek Eastman retired, but Jane Carr ensures the Lib Dems hold that seat. Fellow Lib Dem Paul Alexander also retains his seat.

That's the third full recount ordered today...

There were eight results in very quick succession there. Seven of them were holds, the big news there is the Conservative gain of Campbell Park and Old Woughton.

Terry Baines is a well known name in the Fishermead area, and he may have scored a crucial victory for the Tories there.

Terry Baines is the new councillor after Lib Dem Isobel McCall stepped down.

As predicted, the Tattenhoe result is on a knife edge. They have just ordered a recount there as well. Former Tory leader Edith Bald has since stood down, and we're going to have to wait a bit longer to find out who is going to replace her.

One of the seats up for grabs following the retirement of Chris Williams (Lib Dem) is too close to call. A full recount has been ordered.

A hush descends over the ArenaMK. Everyone aware of how close this is.

"I don't think there will be massive changes. It will still be a hung council, there may be the odd seat that changes hands.

"The last time there was a majority council was 12 years ago, which was the Liberal Democrats.

"Milton Keynes is interesting because all three main parties have ran the council within the last 15 years.

"It's always close, and it means we all work together on the big ticket issues for the benefit of the people of Milton Keynes

"I can't see any party getting a majority. Nobody is going to win the election."

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"I think we will end the morning as the biggest party, and if that happens I'm willing to discuss with any party what the council looks like going forwards.

"This is my first election as a leader, and it's more nerve wracking! But I have really enjoyed the campaign - the team have come together and the candidates have been outstanding.

"It's always close in Milton Keynes, so we have to work around the clock all year. It's good for residents and it's good for democracy that they always have a choice."

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"I think Milton Keynes is always close, and we have a city that seems to like a balance between the three parties.

"We are looking at Loughton, Stantonbury, Tattenhoe and Bletchley Park as key wards, it's always very close between them.

"We are in a very difficult year coming off the back of the 2014 elections, we are defending virtually half our group."

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Just had a chat with council leader Pete Marland, who is hoping Labour remain in power, and new Conservative head Alex Walker, who's hoping to replace him at the Civic Offices. Full quotes coming up for you shortly...

Not much to report of here yet, verifications still taking place on most, with a few wards having already started the count.

So, Woughton and Fishermead ward has finished the verification, and the count there is about to begin. Ditto for Newport Pagnell South.