The leader of Ribble Valley Conservative group is hoping to retain control of the rural borough as a minority administration after his party suffered a local election meltdown last week.

Cllr Stephen Atkinson believes he can survive as the authority's political boss despite the Tories losing their majority.

It lost eight seats, some by a handful of votes, in Thursday's all-out elections in every one of the borough's 40 wards.

While Mr Atkinson hopes to soldier on in charge of the authority, Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Steward Fletcher has been trying to put together and anti-Tory coalition to take over despite his party losing two seats.

In April 2021 two Tory councillors - Alston and Hothersall ward's Jim Rogerson and Salthill's Ian Brown - left the party to go Independent.

Both were voted back on to the council.

Thursday's poll saw the balance of power in Ribble Valley becoming no overall control with 18 Conservatives, eight Liberal Democrats, seven Labour councillors, five Independents and two Greens.

Before the election there were no Green or Labour councillors.

Cllr Atkinson said: "Because we are the largest party and have by far the largest share of the vote we feel it is our duty to try and run a minority administration.

"We need to do the best for the council and try and work together to deliver stability, experience and mutual respect.

"The Ribble Valley is a special place and we need to keep it that way.

"There will be no formal pacts with anybody."

Cllr Fletcher said: "I don't see there is any way to interpret the election result as other than an anti-Conservative vote.

"Therefore I have been trying to put together a coalition of other parties and Independents to run the council and to reflect that."

Cllr Brown said: "I am remaining completely independent but I will be voting for Cllr Atkinson as leader of the council."

One of the other Independents, Wiswell and Barrow's David Birtwhistle, said: "I have spoken to both Cllr Atkinson and Cllr Fletcher. I am sitting on the fence and waiting to see how it all pans out."

The Labour group is to hold a meeting soon to decided on its position and choose a group leader following its unexpected electoral success last week.

Following the election of Gaye McCrum and Malcolm Peplow - both in the East Whalley, Read and Simonstone ward - Ribble Valley Green Party spokeswoman Cath Hatton said: “We’re delighted!

"These great results show that people know we do politics differently and put local people and our environment first.

"Our councillors will work tirelessly for a fairer, greener community in East Whalley, Read and Simonstone and the Ribble Valley.”

All in all it looks like Ribble Valley Council's the annual meeting on Tuesday May 23 will be an interesting affair as Cllrs Atkinson and Fletcher try to gather enough support on the night to take control of the borough's political future.