ROSSENDALE is set to be Labour-run after the group received the backing of two Liberal Democrat councillors.

Tim Nuttall and Jim Pilling have backed Labour’s s to become leader of the authority at Friday’s annual council after the election left no party in overall control.

Following a bad night for the Conservatives, who previously ran the council, the chamber has 17 Labour councillors, 16 Tories, two Lib Dems and a Community First councillor.

Lib Dems Coun Nuttall and Coun Pilling have revealed they would lend their support to Coun Barnes to lead Rossendale Council — but said it would not amount to a coalition pledge.

Coun Nuttall said: “This decision does not in any way take away our independence.

“This is not a coalition pact.

“In my four years as a councillor I have voted with both groups on different issues, as has Jim Pilling.

“We will continue to act according to our own decisions over the next year, and we feel that, with party numbers so close, the next 12 months give a great opportunity for all four parties.”

The authority needs a new leader after Conservative chief Tony Swain lost his seat earlier this month.

Conservative deputy leader Bill Challinor and cabinet member Peter Steen, who had represented Irwell for 13 years, also failed to retain their seats.