THE possible union of the three main rival parties to oust Labour from power at Blackburn with Darwen Council has been labelled an unholy alliance' by its current leader.

Coun Kate Hollern said that she did not believe Tories, Liberal Democrats and For Darwen councillors would join together to take control of the council.

She remained confident that Labour, who lost control of the council for the first time in 19 years, would maintain power due to their 31 seats. She said the party was not yet looking to approach other groups. She said: "As we are the largest group it would be easiest and best for us to retain administration.

She added: "I am not sure about the Tories and Lib Dems joining together with the For Darwen Party. That would seem like an unholy alliance, especially when they campaigned on such different issues."

The three seats now held by the For Darwen Party could be crucial in determining who holds power. The party were elected on an anti-Labour platform. An allegiance with the two other parties could oust Labour completely.

Leader Coun Tony Melia said: "We want Darwen served in the best possible way." The group will meet with the Tories and Lib Dems on Wednesday and Thursday.

Conservative leader Coun Colin Rigby said: "Our concerns about the borough are not that far apart."

Coun David Foster, leader of the Lib Dems, said: "The key thing is we want to make sure we can implement the policies we went to the electorate with."