MORE than 40% of the Taunton Deane voting population turned out to cast their vote in the local elections last Thursday - an election, which saw the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats both tussling to lead the council with neither party having a clear majority.

The Liberal Democrats had much reason to celebrate, having nearly doubled their seats from 15 to 26.

However, for Conservatives the day was less eventful; after level pegging with the Liberal Democrats, they ended with 25 seats - a reduction of five from the previous election.

The day was equally bad for Labour who finished the race with one candidate left out of five.

Independent candidates enjoyed winning four seats and, also, the power in potentially having the deciding vote on the council's leadership.

Crisis meetings between the parties were held over the Bank Holiday weekend and into this week to decide who should lead the council.