The Liberal Democrats have an overwhelming majority on the new Westmorland and Furness Council.
Voters went to the polls on Thursday to choose their representatives on the new authority, which will replace the existing Eden District Council, Barrow Borough Council and South Lakeland District Council, plus the county council, when it comes into being next year.
The make-up of the new authority is:
- Liberal Democrats 36
- Labour Party 15
- Conservative Party 11
- Independents 2
- Green Party 1
The count took place today – Friday – and started at around 9.30am. The final councillors were declared at 3.44pm as Ulverston was the last past the post.
Councillors will serve a five-year term and the first 12 months will be as members of a shadow authority, which will oversee the planning for the new unitary council, which start in April 2023.
Members will have to appoint a leader and cabinet, plus adopt a constitution and code of conduct. The first meeting of the shadow authority is due to take place on May 17.
It will operate alongside the existing councils until it goes live and will have no responsibility for services until then.
Allerdale, Copeland and Carlisle councils will also be dissolved and replaced by Cumberland Council.
Votes for that authority were counted overnight and Labour gained control with 30 seats. Pundits are saying this is a significant victory for the party and this afternoon, Labour leader Keir Starmer was in Carlisle to congratulate members.
Here’s how the count unfolded.
