LABOUR kept has a vice-like control on Blackburn town hall with an election result which failed to match the dramatic change of power across the nation.

Less than 12 hours after the General Election came to a close in East Lancashire bleary eyed party activists watched as a second set of polling cards were counted.

The battle for control of the new unitary authority failed to spring any surprises with the parties' share of the vote remaining virtually unchanged.

Labour and the Liberal Democrats each grabbed one of the two new seats created by boundary changes in North Turton and Tockholes.

The results leaves the balance of power firmly with Labour who managed to keep hold of an overall majority of 30 seats on Blackburn With Darwen Council.

The biggest change came with the number of Asian councillors increasing from three to nine, the highest ever in Blackburn town hall.

Most of the results were foregone conclusions with many candidates waiting to see how long they would stay in power.

Three councillors were elected in most wards with the top placed winning a term of four years, the second three years and the third two years. Council leader Malcom Doherty, who was celebrating his 56th birthday along with his return to power, said: "The gains we have made in Blackburn over recent years have made it almost impossible to win any more seats.

"The Labour victory we witnessed in the General Election is an expression of what has been taking place in Blackburn for the last three or four years.

"Because there are no elections for the next two years we have a solid base to work on and can prepare for becoming a unitary authority next April."

The Conservatives, who feared the worse following the General Election massacre, were more than pleased to hang on to their 12 seats.

Deputy leader Jim Hirst said: "Our people have worked very hard on the ground and we have earned this very satisfactory result.

"The local Labour Party no longer has the excuse of blaming all the problems of this borough on the Government.

"The Conservative Party must now prove to be an effective opposition not just in Westminster but in Blackburn as well."

Liberal Democrat husband and wife team David and Karimeh Foster were separated by just one vote with Mrs Foster winning a four year term.

David said: "I thought about calling for a recount but woman power won out in the end."

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