Labour lose seats in Lincoln vote

Lincoln's ruling Labour group has lost seats in the local election but still managed to maintain overall control.

Labour lost four seats to the resurgent Conservatives in Lincoln and also lost one to the Liberal Democrats.

The city council now has 20 Labour seats, 11 Tories and two Liberal Democrats.

In West Lindsey, the Tories lost control of the council, with the Liberal Democrats now holding 18 seats and the Conservatives on 17.

Key by-election

No party holds overall control in West Lindsey as two independents were also elected.

Lincoln's Labour leader Ric Metcalfe blamed bad press for his party's losses.

"It is disappointing as we feel we have done a good job over the years with a city council under Labour control - but at times like this people voting are influenced by the national mood," he said.

But Conservative councillor Hilton Spratt said his party is on the move.

"Lincoln is up for grabs - come back next year and see if I am still smiling," he said.

In West Lindsey, the council's Conservative leader Bernard Theobald held his seat by just 21 votes.

Mr Theobald said: "I think we have worked very hard for the past two years since we have been in control.

"We have transformed the council, delivered quality services and reduced council tax rises."

No party has overall control on the council, but a byelection in a fortnight - which is being held to replace a sitting member who died - may affect the balance of power.