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LOCAL ELECTIONS: Lib Dems lose power in Sheffield - VIDEO
IT'S deadlock at Sheffield Town Hall for the third time in a decade - after a surge in Labour's vote at the local elections cost the Liberal Democrats' majority.
Paul Scriven's Liberal Democrat party lost control of the city council.
LOCAL ELECTIONS: Full list of results in Sheffield wards, Thursday, May 6, 2010.
The power vacuum echoed Westminster election results - and came as national Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg was locked in talks to decide the shape of a coalition government in Whitehall.
On Thursday Councillor Scriven was expecting continued Lib Dem control in Sheffield to be acompanied by a seat for himself in Parliament. But by 3pm yesterday both dreams were in ruins.
GEN ELECTION: Paul Scriven on missing out as an MP - VIDEO
In Sheffield, overall turnout of 63 per cent, increased due to the General Election on the same day, was credited by Labour with bringing out more of its traditional supporters, winning them two seats by a whisker.
Turnout was only 39 per cent at the last local election in 2008.
The local elections this week in Sheffield saw Labour gain two Lib Dem seats - East Ecclesfield by just 50 votes, and Mosborough by 257 - and a third, Central, from the Greens, taking their seats to 39 of 84.
The Lib Dems lost two seats, reducing their total from 44 to 42, exactly 50 per cent of the council chamber. It means they can neither win a vote outright, nor lose one, if all the party's councillors attend.
The balance of power is held by the two remaining Green councillors - Jillian Creasy and Rob Murphy, both in Central ward, plus Frank Taylor, former Lib Dem who is now Independent and who represents Gleadless Valley.
Lib Dems could still secure power, however, because one Labour councillor, Marjorie Barker, who represents Woodhouse, has been unable to attend meetings due to long-term illness.
Neither main party was willing to speculate who would be in charge until both have held meetings on Monday.
Labour leader Coun Jan Wilson said: "It doesn't feel too bad, particularly following our win in Sheffield Central at the General Election.
"The situation is exciting. We will meet as a group of councillors on Monday and the following Monday to decide the way forward."
Coun Wilson said her party would attempt to push some policies through, such as increased funding for community assemblies, free swimming for children and pensioners, and changes to recycling.
She said Coun Barker's attendance would be "a matter for her".
Labour snatched East Ecclesfield by 50 votes, Central by 104 votes, with the Lib Dems second and Greens third, and Mosborough by 257. It defended Hillsborough, where Lib Dems won at the two previous elections, by 26 votes.
Liberal Democrats also meet on Monday to decide their plans. Shattered leader Coun Paul Scriven, who had not slept since 4am on Thursday, said at the end of yesterday's count: "The result was very tight. It leaves us a bit like the national Parliament."
Green leader Jillian Creasy said: "We were very disappointed to lose our third seat. We all now need to go away and speak to our group about what happens."
All will become clear at the council's annual general meeting on Wednesday May 19 - when a new leadership will be elected by councillors.
Previously, no party had overall control in 2007/8 and 2002/3.
John Mothersole, council chief executive, said: "It will be a difficult challenge. The biggest thing to deal with over the coming year is the national public spending review which is likely to mean big cuts.
"But we have coped with a hung council before."
Other stories of the poll included senior Labour figure Tim Rippon failing to be re-elected having stood in a different seat, and the increased turnout leaving the BNP in third place in Shiregreen and Brightside and Southey wards, where it had finished second in 2007 and 2008.
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MORE: LOCAL ELECTIONS
Lib Dems lose power in Sheffield - VIDEO
Sheffield wards - full results list
Labour majority grows in Barnsley - VIDEO
Barnsley wards - full results list
Labour maintains power in Rotherham
Rotherham wards - full results list
Labour celebrates fightback in Doncaster
Doncaster wards - full results list
GENERAL ELECTION
RESULTS: Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley, Doncaster, North Notts and Derbyshire
RESULTS MAP: South Yorks, North Notts and Derbyshire - VIDEOS
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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