The new make-up of Colchester Council has been decided - but voters will notice little change

Residents went to the polls to select councillors for a third of the council's 60 seats.

But at the end of the night, there was still no overall control.

After the votes were counted, the Liberal Democrats had a total 25 seats, followed by the Conservatives with 24

Labour took five seats with the rest being held by independents.

The party leaders now have 14 days to form an administration which is likely to have representatives of all three major parties.

Both the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives have said it is unlikely they will team up with independents to take control, instead working together to form a rainbow administration.

Colin Sykes, Liberal Democrat leader, said: "We made two gains, which was the best result of any of the groups today."

Mr Sykes has already met with the Tory leader to discuss creating a ruling body for Colchester Council.

John Jowers, Conservative leader, said: "Obviously it is possible to do deals with the independent groups to form a majority but it would be very weak."

He said a combined cabinet of members of all parties was likely: "We have to encompass everyone's views. This year it worked very well. People said it wouldn't work but the cabinet worked together very well."

Tim Young, Labour leader, said: "I was a little bit disappointed that we didn't make more gains. It is very much as we were, as ever Colchester Council remains in a very interesting position."

Published Friday, May 2, 2003

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