An emergency budget is going to be called by the Liberal Democrats following their thumping victory in the Kingston local elections.

Council leader Liz Green said she is looking forward to making changes once the dust settles.

She said: “One of our major pledges was to do an emergency budget. We don’t think that some of those changes made by the Conservatives are achievable.”

Cllr Green is returning as leader after one of the Lib Dems’ biggest victories across the country – and their biggest ever in Kingston – gaining 19 seats.

Fellow Lib Dem Kingston and Surbiton MP Ed Davey said he was “utterly delighted” at the result.

He said: “The reception on the doorstep was very positive about Lib Dem campaigns for more money for our schools and opposing police cuts.

“As the campaign went on, I became more and more optimistic, but I never anticipated the sheer scale of the support for the Lib Dems – it was dramatic.”

The Conservatives had their worst ever defeat in the borough since its inception, the Labour Party lost both its seats, and the newly formed Kingston Independent Residents Group lost the two they held following Tory defections.

Cllr Green said: “There are always elements of national issues at play, but I also think there were a lot of local elements this year.

“People have said that they think the Tory council has been overdeveloping Kingston with lots of high-rises. People are unhappy with the way that they hadn’t been listened to.”

Another change the Lib Dems are going to make is the reintroduction of the scrutiny panel for residents to challenge councillors, after the Conservative administration got rid of it.

Cllr Green hopes this will be indicative of a change in the council’s attitude, with more consultation on future Go Cycle schemes promised.

She also hopes for a Cambridge Road Estate regeneration where “everyone sees a benefit”, including increasing the number of social and “truly affordable” homes.

Women now make up the majority of the Lib Dem administration – 22 compared to 17 men – for the first time.

Cllr Green said: “It’s great, especially in the centenary year of votes for women. And we have some superb young women – the youngest is 22.

“All councils should be striving to properly reflect the makeup of the borough.”