DESPITE the loss of leader Sir Bill Taylor Labour managed to buck the national trend to hold on to Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Party organisers were celebrating a series of results which saw them win 33 seats. Even if a by-election in the Earcroft ward left vacant by the death of Mayor Mike Barrett passes to an opposition party Labour's grip on Blackburn with Darwen Council is safe.

Many had predicted that opposition parties could snatch the required four seats to take the council to no overall control.

But as soon as the early results started to be counted it became clear Labour councillors in Blackburn and Darwen were not in for a rough ride.

In wards with high numbers of Asian voters party activists from the Liberal Democrat party were expecting to make ground.

But in Bastwell and Shear Brow three Labour councillors were returned in each.

Sir Bill Taylor aside, Labour suffered other casualties.

Ashley Whalley, a former member of the ruling executive group and a member of the planning committee was voted out.

Derek Brindle lost his Sudell seat to the Liberal Democrats whose other gains included the scalp of council leader Sir Bill Taylor.

Blackburn MP Jack Straw said Labour's record on local issues had helped them stem the losses. He added: "The council has a very good record. It is extremely well run.

"There are complaints about it, but it is delivering."

Liberal Democrats enjoyed the most success, coming away with 12 seats after starting the day with eight.

Independent Yusuf Sidat, who took a seat from Labour in the Queen's Park ward, immediately linked up with the Lib Dems after the count was over.

Conservatives ended the day with 17 seats, one more than when it started.

The British National Party and other far-right groups were unable to make much of an impression on the day.

Party activists had been hoping to gain at least two seats but came away empty handed. Robin Evans, the town's first BNP councillor who left the party last year, was placed last in the Mill Hill ward.

Mr Straw added: "I am delighted that Blackburn appears to have turned decisively against the BNP and the result in Mill Hill was particularly pleasing."

Blackburn with Darwen Council may have the proud claim to fame of boasting the only set of twin councillors.

Arshid Mahmood joined his brother in the council chamber when he was voted in as a Corporation Park.

Both said they had never had an argument in their lives and were looking forward to working together."