LABOUR and Liberal Democrats on South Ribble Council are to carve up seats in the cabinet between them, leaving the Conservatives with no members.

The cabinet, which has the power to make the decisions for the council, was set to be decided at a meeting on Wednesday, May 14.

But even though the Tories won two more seats than Labour in the local elections, making them the largest party, they could be pushed from the positions of power.

Traditionally the posts are shared out, but the Labour and Liberal Democrats have teamed up, and are set to appoint themselves to the cabinet.

But Conservative leader Jim Breakell said: "We received 42 per cent of the overall votes cast which I think indicates that the voting public agree with our policies.

"But for their own reasons the Labour and Liberal Democrats have got together and decided that we should not be part of the cabinet regardless of the fact that we have worked in relative harmony for the past four years."

And Conservative councillor Cliff Hughes, who has served in the cabinet since it was created four years ago, said: "We will challenge that decision and don't intend to accept what they have decided between them."

Council leader Howard Gore said that the Conservatives were likely to be left without a seat because all co-operation had been destroyed between their parties after the elections.

He explained: "If anyone has responsibility for a breakdown in joint working at the council it is the individuals from the Conservative group who decided that their campaign would be based on council tax rises when they were fully supportive of 21 per cent increase. To deny responsibility is outrageous."