WHEN the dust settles on County Hall following one of the most hard-fought elections in recent years, the Lib Dems hope they will hold the key to power.

Group leader David Whipp said he expected his party to play a crucial role in the battle between Labour and the Conservatives results in a no overall majority situation.

The Lib Dems currently have four councillors, but West Craven Coun Whipp, one of the most vocal critics of the ruling Labour group at council meetings, said he was confident of increasing his share.

He said: “We are confident we will get into double figures.

“We also think there’s a very strong possibility that the county council will be balanced, and obviously we will use that influence for the best interests of Lancashire residents.

“Clearly the furore over MPs’ expenses has dominated a lot of the discussion on the doorsteps, but people are also interested in local issues.”

Outside the three main parties, there are two independent councillors, one Green Party and a South Ribble member who represents the Idle Toad party.

A hung council would raise fears that County Hall would run less efficiently, with decisions taking longer to be reached as different factions fight for their positions.

But Coun Whipp, who recalls the last time no party had an overall majority from 1985 to 1989, insisted this would not be the case.

He added: “I don’t think this would happen at all.

“We have clear policy priorities and would like to see them implemented.”

TOP PRIORITY
Repairing roads and pavements by cutting waste at County Hall.

VOTE FOR US BECAUSE
We offer the best for the residents of Lancashire.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE
The County Hall culture of complacency and self-serving councillors.

KEY BATTLEGROUND
I think East Lancashire will be the key part of the equation.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO ABOUT MPS’ EXPENSES
End the gentlemen’s club of Westminster, make MPs more accountable and review the entire way parliament operates.