How the county council election could play out

OUTCOMES DIFFER DEPENDING ON WHICH PARTY WINS

- BY JAMIE WALLER

WHEN voters go to the polls next Thursday, the race for Lincolnshire County Council is likely to be one of the most unpredictable in years.

Conservatives have dominated the county for decades, with the same leader for just over 20 years.

However, Reform is hoping for a strong showing following the high-profile launch of their campaign featuring party leader Nigel Farage.

Labour will be hoping that the anti-Tory sentiment hasn't worn off since their General Election victory last year, which saw them claim the Lincoln MP seat back.

Meanwhile, Liberal Democrats and Independents managed to seize control of three district councils in the last round of elections in 2023, and could make progress.

The winners will have a loud voice in the debate over what replaces the council in the government's shake-up, and how Lincolnshire's politics look for years to come.

Here are the various ways the election could play out.

The Conservatives keep a majority

The Conservatives currently have a very healthy majority of 53 out of 70 seats. This means they could lose 18 in May’s elections and still be able to control the chamber.