LIBERAL Democrat leader Ian Marks has shrugged off the loss of a key seat to the Tories in last night's election.

One of Clr Marks' right-hand men, Peter Walker, lost his Hatton, Stretton and Walton seat to Paul Kennedy.

Clr Marks said the loss was 'disappointing' because it meant his party could not take overall control of the council.

But he added: "We're very pleased indeed with the two seats.

"We had two excellent candidates in Bewsey & Whitecross and Whittle Hall and they did really well.

"They were huge majorities."

The party enjoyed two gains from Labour.

Jo Crotty, parliamentary hopeful in Bewsey and Whitecross, wrestled the seat from Labour candidate Hitesh Patel in a tight battle.

But it was a resounding success for new councillor Kevin Reynolds in Whittle Hall who took the seat from Labour.

Current Labour councillor John Morris stepped down but the party was beaten into third place by the Tories.

Asked what the result meant for the joint administration, Clr Marks replied: "We haven't got a majority. If we had we would have had a choice to either go it alone or continue as it is.

"I will be talking to our members. It's not up to me to decide."