IN the moment of defeat, Kay Cutts wanted to appear defiant –but you could see the disappointment in her eyes.
It was a difficult pill to swallow for the Conservative leader who felt that her party's record over the last four years would see them claim another term in office.
But it was Labour that won the day – taking control of Notts County Council by the slimmest of margins.
After the final result was announced, Mrs Cutts immediately assumed her role as leader of the opposition and questioned how achievable Labour's plans were.
Mrs Cutts said: "They will have to find millions of pounds of savings and yet they are promising to invest and turn street lights back on – and I am not sure that's realistic.
"We will be keeping a close eye on them and their majority is very small. We will continue to fight for what we believe is best for the people of Notts.
"The result is disappointing and I think Ukip have had a strong impact on that."
Ukip performed very strongly in most of the seats they were contesting, but whereas they gained seats in other shire counties, in Notts they lost their sole seat in Hucknall.
But Rushcliffe branch chairman for Ukip Matthew Faithfull said his party was on the right track.
He said: "People are moving from the traditional main parties to us in droves, as can be seen.
"We have come third, getting nearly double the number of votes of the Liberal Democrats, but getting no seats which shows how well first past the post works for us.
"It's the perfect platform for success for Ukip in the European elections and the general election in 2015."
This idea of people ditching the "big three" was echoed on the streets on Thursday.
Speaking to the Post after voting, John Shields, 28, of Hucknall, said: "I'm fed up with Liberal, Labour and Conservative, it's time for a difference so I voted Ukip."
The polls saw the Liberal Democrats lose only one seat, but leader Jason Zadrozny said he was disappointed with how the day ended and attacked Labour's campaign.
He said: "I'm gutted. There's no other way to describe it. They have got in on a series of pledges that are far from realistic and that's that."
During the day, Mr Zadrozny was hoping to hold the balance of power if the council ended up with no one party in power.
Speaking before the final result, he said: "We want to see things done for Ashfield.
"We are not interested in senior positions on the council."
But with all the results in except the eight seats in Arnold and Carlton, it looked as if a Labour win could be on the cards.
And after a nervous wait, it was finally confirmed that Labour had made the final two gains in Arnold North from the Tories to secure control of the council.
Leader Alan Rhodes said: "It was like a penalty shoot-out towards the end, but we're delighted.
"The hard work begins now. People have trusted us and I am very grateful for their support in believing we can deliver fairness for people in the county – and we will."
