REDBRIDGE Council is still under no overall control after the Conservatives slipped back by one seat overall, while the Labour group made substantial gains and the Liberal Democrats fell further behind.
The Tories won 30 seats, down from 31, and are still the largest party, but Labour increased its share from 14 to 26, while the Lib Dems dropped from 13 seats to 7.
None of the four independents retained or gained any seats, while the BNP lost its sole representative.
While battles were being won and lost around the borough, the picture in Wanstead and Woodford remained largely the same.
The Lib Dems retained all six seats across Church End and Roding wards, while the Conservatives retained Wanstead and Snaresbrook.
In Bridge, there was one change as the Conservatives added a third seat through Paul Canal, while in Monkhams all three Tory councillors held on as well.
Given the shift in the balance of power, council leader Keith Prince looked downbeat as he gave his verdict on the evening's events.
He said: “I'm very disappointed because we've lost three very good members.
“I'm disappointed that we've lost Gary Monro, because he was one of our up-and-coming members who we all felt had a lot of potential.
“But I know the other group leaders are all equally surprised.
“Discussions have taken place with both group leaders. I think over the last year all three parties have built up a great deal of trust with one another.
“The first council meetings are scheduled to take place from May 20, so something will have to be in place by then.”
By contrast, Labour group leader Elaine Norman was in buoyant mood.
Cllr Norman said: “I'm very pleased. It's nice that the hard work of our candidates paid off. They got up early, got out there, knocked on doors and drummed up support for the party, so that was great.”
Liberal Democrat leader Hugh Cleaver looked even more disappointed that his Conservative counterpart, after his party gained votes but lost seats.
Cllr Cleaver said: “The thing is our share of the vote has gone up but we've lost seats, which is the same as the national picture."
However, he said that a hung council was not necessarily a negative outcome, saying that it would encourage greater openness.
He added: “One thing a hung council does mean is that decisions will be made more in the open, rather than by a small group of people behind the scenes. The council will be more accountable.”
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