[3] This meant that before the 2010 election the Conservatives held 33 of the 54 seats on the council as compared to 16 for Labour, 2 independents and a number of vacancies.
[3] The third party nationally, the Liberal Democrats, had no councillors in West Lancashire and did not stand any candidates in the election.
[3] The Conservatives' strong majority before the election meant it was seen as being almost certain that they would remain in control of the council.
[3] The Conservatives pointed to their record in freezing Council Tax, while making improvements in services and local parks.
[5] Labour gained the 3 seats from the Conservatives in Burscough West and both seats in Scott ward, with Labour's 41 vote majority in Burscough West being the most marginal of the election.