A BATTLE for power is underway at North Wiltshire District Council as Liberal Democrats and Conservatives struggle to wrest overall control of the authority.

Last week's local elections left a power vacuum at the council, when Liberal Democrat leader David Packham suffered a surprise defeat and lost his seat.

No one party has gained overall control, with the Liberal Democrats holding 26 seats and the Conservatives 25.

The outcome of the battle depends on the one Labour member, Christine Reid, and the one Independent, Philip Allnatt.

If the Conservatives could persuade both to join their group, they will take control of the district council.

If the Liberal Democrats can win over just one of the two, they will have 27 seats and the majority they need to set up the new administration.

The first full council meeting on May 21 will be critical.

The new Liberal Democrat leader, Coun Ruth Coleman, said negotiations were ongoing. "We need the support of one or both members, and I am feeling confident we will get that support," she said.

Conservative group leader Coun Toby Sturgis said he had not spoken to either Coun Allnatt or Coun Reid because he did not believe coalitions worked.

"It's a sad day for North Wiltshire because no party can do anything constructive," he said. Only one member needs to be away for the system to fail."