BY MIKE CHIPCHASE

STOCKTON Borough Council could be heading for a power struggle following last week's local elections.

Boundary changes, the scrapping of some seats and the creation of others left the controlling Labour group with 27 elected members, with the other 29 councillors made up of Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Independents.

Party leaders confirmed this week that talks were continuing which could lead to a power shift when the new cabinet is elected at the council's annual meeting, at Billingham Forum on May 25.

Coun Suzanne Fletcher, leader of the Lib Dem group, said that discussions were continuing between the various parties.

She said: "No formal approaches have been made to anyone as yet, but informal discussions are taking place."

The newly-elected Conservative group leader, Coun Ken Lupton, also confirmed that talks were being held.

He said: "I'm in discussion with all party group leaders regarding how the administering of the council is likely to develop following the annual meeting."

Labour leader Coun Bob Gibson, who retained his Newtown seat, said he hoped to be elected as leader of the council again, although his party had fallen short of an overall majority.

He said: "We will be putting ourselves forward as the largest group, in a position to lead the council for a further two years."

* Borough election results and

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