[4] Among the candidates there was a record number of independents at 12, with 6 of them having defected from Labour.
[4] Issues in the election including transport, housing and leisure facilities.
[5] However the Conservatives pledged to improve services, increase recycling, keep parking charges low, form partnerships with private firms to improve facilities, while making efficiency savings.
[5] The results saw the Conservatives gain control of the council after winning 30 seats compared to 24 for Labour.
[4] However the former Labour chairman of the council, Andrew Johnson, was defeated in the election in Aughton and Downholland ward after his former seat of Downholland was merged with the more Conservative Aughton in the boundary changes.