Labour lose Hartlepool control after Ukip gain
Narrow changes in Hartlepool, including a gain for the UK Independence party, have cost Labour control of another council.
The governing party at national level slipped from 24 to 23 seats, while the Liberal Democrats also lost a seat to fall to six seats.
The Tories joined Ukip in winning a seat, meaning the far-right party has doubled its number of councilors.
A Ukip spokesperson told politics.co.uk the result was a “step in the right direction” for her party.
“It adds to the great work our councilor has already done in Hartlepool on issues such as post office closures and rubbish collection,” she added.
