A COUNCIL'S Labour group will seek to take power in a borough despite an inconclusive local election result which left them one councillor short of a majority.

Thursday's local poll failed to produce a clear winner in Hyndburn, leaving the party - in control until a series of resignations - with 17 councillors and the Conservatives with 14, while there are now three Independents.

Former group boss Cllr Miles Parkinson sensationally quit the Labour Party in March claiming it was "unpleasant, bullying and vindictive".

Since then he has remained council leader while sitting as an Independent and has indicated his willingness to stay in post as such.

Acting Labour group leader Cllr Paul Cox has now confirmed it will bid to take control at the council's annual meeting on May 19, potentially ousting Parkinson from power.

But it would need the votes of at least one of the independents - Cllr Parkinson, Huncoat's ex-Labour Cllr Eamonn Higgins or former Tory Cllr Pat McGinley - to do so.

If Cllr Parkinson is nominated this could then lead to the new Labour Mayor Cllr Abdul Khan's casting vote deciding on a new administration.

Cllr Paul Cox told the Lancashire Telegraph: "Labour in Hyndburn intend to take stock of the election results and move towards the annual meeting next, looking to take control.

"We have an excellent history in control of Hyndburn and have worked to deliver several large projects.

"We are also waiting on the success of the 'Levelling Up' bid. Labour in power has brought significant change and investment and will continue to work to make the borough a better place to live and work."

However, despite being two being elected as Labour Councillors, none of three Independents are likely to support Labour it is understood.

Conservative group leader Cllr Marlene Haworth has said: "There are various options including us seeking the leadership.

"If Labour challenge Cllr Parkinson, I would vote for him and I suspect my group would too."

There is one vacant seat in the council chamber after former leader Cllr Michael Hindley quit in recent weeks after an altercation with a member of the public during a break in a council meeting which could break the deadlock.

But as his former Overton ward is highly marginal neither of the main parties may want to call a by-election.