THE Lib Dems may have retained control of Warrington Borough Council but last night's election was all about the Tories.

The Conservatives won two seats - one from Labour in Penketh and one from the Lib Dems in Hatton, Stretton and Walton.

The victories put paid to Lib Dem plans to oust the Tories from the controlling alliance they had formed since removing Labour from power two years ago.

The Lib Dems also gained two seats, this time at the expense of Labour councillors in Whittle Hall and Bewsey & Whitecross.

It capped a disappointing night for Labour who only won one seat - from incumbent Independent councillor Ann Haddow, who was standing down in Fairfield & Howley.

Labour's group leader, Terry O'Neill - who held his own Burtonwood & Winwick seat - left Woolston Leisure Centre soon after the final result was in.

His colleague, Paul Kenny, said: "We always knew it was going to be a difficult set of elections for us and naturally we're disappointed to lose two seats.

"But we're pleased that six of our councillors retained their seats."

Tory leader Keith Bland said he was over the moon' with the results and said he was hopeful' about continuing to share power with the Lib Dems.

The shock result of the night was Lib Dem executive member, Peter Walker losing his Hatton, Stretton and Walton seat to the Conservative Paul Kennedy.

Council leader Ian Marks described the loss as disappointing' as a win would have seen his party gain overall control of the council.

The BNP stood in Warrington for the first time but it's two candidates polled only 434 votes out of more 40,000.

The election means that the Lib Dems now have 28 seats, Labour 22 and the Conservatives 7.

ENDS