Once a swing borough where every vote counted when political strategists decided who won general elections, Chorley looks increasing safe Labour territory.
Still regularly visited by senior national figures, Labour is confident of consolidating its control. Labour and the Conservatives have candidates in all 17 seats being contested.
UKIP are contesting 10, their second biggest push after Hyndburn in East Lancashire.
Liberal Democrats are fighting just four. The Independents and Greens will fight three seats each.
The number of seats on the council is 47 and the existing council make-up is Labour 24, Conservative 20 with two Independents and a single Coppull Independent.
Chorley’s longest serving member, Coun Dennis Edgerley is stepping down from the council this year.
While sitting Labour MP Lindsay Hoyle will be happy that his party’s performance in the opinion polls and his own position as respected Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons make him safe at next year’s general election, the experts will be fascinated by the results in Chorley.
A poor Labour show, a Tory surge or a surprise UKIP push would be significant nationally.
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