The head of Labour's BCP Council members has vowed to "continue to punch well above our weight" following a positive election result.
Labour increased its number of councillors on the local authority from three to 11, picking up seats in Bournemouth and Poole.
George Farquhar retained his seat, where he is now joined by colleague Eleanor Connolly as ward councillors for Boscombe East and Pokesdown.
He said he was "very pleased" with his party's result following the results at the BIC on Friday.
"Twelve seats was my highest aspiration, nine was realistic and we were just one short of the 12," Cllr Farquhar said.
"I am absolutely delighted the Conservative Group has fallen away in Bournemouth so now Labour councillors will get a fair share on committees and be able to have our say."
Cllr Farquhar said there had been a "steep learning curve" for his group in the past four years, but added: "I think we will continue to punch well above our weight."
Full list of Labour wins in the 2023 BCP Council elections
Eleanor Connolly - Boscombe East and Pokesdown
George Farquhar - Boscombe East and Pokesdown
Patrick Canavan - Boscombe West
Gillian Martin - Boscombe West
Jamie Martin - Bournemouth Central
Martin Bedford - East Cliff and Springbourne
Anne-Marie Moriarty - East Cliff and Springbourne
Peter Cooper - Hamworthy
Michelle Dower - Kinson
Sharon Carr-Brown - Queen's Park
Sue Aitkenhead - Poole Town
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