Little change after Cumbria vote

There were mixed fortunes for the three main political parties in Cumbria following Thursday's local elections, where votes were cast in Barrow, Carlisle and South Lakeland.

Labour strengthened their grip on Barrow Town Hall, where they gained three extra seats.

In Carlisle, the Conservatives lost seats to both Labour and the Lib Dems, although the council remains hung.

South Lakeland also remains hung, despite gains by the Conservatives.

Labour increased its domination of Barrow Borough Council, where the party now has twice as many councillors as the main Conservative opposition.

The Tories lost Parkside and Dalton South to Labour, with Ormsgill also going to Labour from the Independents.

Twelve of the authority's 30 seats were being contested.

Biggest party

Labour now has 24 seats, the Conservatives 12 and others hold the remaining two.

The turnout using the postal voting system was markedly up on elections held in 2003.

In Carlisle, the Tories lost four seats, including one in Dalston by just one vote.

The Lib Dems picked up two seats, but Labour is now the single biggest party.

Labour hold 24 seats, the Conservatives have 20, the Lib Dems have seven councillors, with others holding the final seat.

South Lakeland remains a hung authority, with the Lib Dems holding 22 seats and the Conservatives 20.

The Tories gained Ulverston Central from Labour and Grange from the Lib Dems.

Labour have just eight seats after their single loss.