South Kesteven Council is one of the councils set to hold talks about leadership in the coming days, following the Leader and Deputy Leader losing their seats in the Local Elections on 4 May 2023.

The future of three Lincolnshire councils could be decided in the next few hours as talks are held to decide who holds power.

South Kesteven, West Lindsey and East Lindsey district councils all ended the local elections hung after the Conservatives lost seats across the county, with more than 1,000 lost nationwide.

All three are understood to be carrying out talks today or in the next few days to decide who takes over.

Prior to this year's election, the Conservatives held a total of 16 seats at the table in West Lindsey but ended the night with 14, whereas the Liberal Democrats managed to increase their reach from 13 to 18.

It's expected the Liberal Democrats could make a move to take over by striking a deal with some independent councillors.

Meanwhile in South Kesteven, the Tories lost ten seats as the night went on – including council leader Kelham Cooke and his deputy Adam Stokes.

Kelham Cooke. Image credit: SKDC.

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Independent councillors, who increased their seat count from 14 to 22, are hoping to take over the running of the authority and it is understood a meeting is taking place this afternoon.

In East Lindsey, reporters understand talks will take place this morning with the leadership due to be revealed somewhere around midday.

The Conservatives hold onto the most seats in the council, with a total of 26, however this is still less than half of the available seats, and five fewer than prior to the election.

Independent councillors, on the other hand, surged during the night, doubling their power from eight to 16.

It's believed the Tories may just keep their grasp on the wheel, but will be operating at a severely reduced power.

More details are expected to be released over the coming hours, days and weeks.