AN anti-war campaigner won a victory in Preston after being voted onto the city council.

Michael Lavalette, of the Socialist Alliance Against the War, now represents the Town Centre ward.

The elections saw few changes at Preston Town Hall with the Conservative's losing one seat and Labour remaining the same.

In South Ribble, the Conservatives became the largest party, although Labour and the Liberal Democrats have now teamed up to form a coalition.

Councillor Howard Gore is likely to stay as council leader. He said: "I feel that the Liberal Democrats are more closely aligned to the Labour group way of thinking in running the authority for the next four years. I think we can work closely together to deliver superior services to the people of South Ribble."

Conservative leader Jim Breakell said: "The Conservatives are meeting on Saturday to consider our position and will now be an extremely effective opposition to the policies of Labour and the Liberal Democrats."

In Preston, Coun John Collins has been named as the new Labour group leader, and is likely to step into the office given up by current council leader Ian Hall after a meeting on May 15.

Coun Collins said: "I am delighted. I am already representing the council rather than Ian Hall at two meetings.

"Assuming the Liberal Democrats and the Tories don't aim to stop us having the cabinet and the leadership -- and I am sure this will not happen -- then I will become the leader on May 15."

Meanwhile, Coun Ken Hudson remains the Conservative group leader, and former mayor, Coun Alan Hackett, is now in control of the Liberal Democrats.

And Conservative Sharoe Green representative Coun Elizabeth Clarkson is serving out the last year on Preston council before stepping down and concentrating on her role on the Fylde after being elected onto the seaside council.

She said: "I am just serving my term out rather than causing a by-election."