45 candidates competed in the election for the 12 seats which were being contested.[3] Before the election the Conservatives had a one-seat majority with 18 of the 35 councillors, as compared to 10 Labour, 4 independents and 3 Liberal Democrats.[3]
Election result
The results saw the Conservatives defend what was regarded as their most marginal council in the country, however Labour did make one gain from an independent.[4][5] The Conservatives were seen as having benefited from the troubles of the national Labour government which helped them stay in control of the council.[6]Voter turnout was higher than expectations with Claines ward seeing a 49% turnout and Battenhall 43.1%.[6]
Following the election the leader of the council, Stephen Inman, stood down and was succeeded by fellow Conservative councillor Simon Geraghty.[7]