Labour have a tight grip on the socialist stronghold that is Salford council – but some close contests are expected in the city at the local elections this week.
The ruling group currently hold 52 out of the 60 seats at the council while the Conservatives have seven with only one up for election on Thursday (May 5). Salford's only Lib Dem councillor - Andrew Walters who was elected last year - has now left the party to run as an independent in Kersal and Broughton Park.
Last year, the Tories hoped to win all three council seats in this ward which is home to a large Orthodox Jewish community, but only managed to retain two. After pulling off a shock victory for the Lib Dems in 2021, Coun Walters will need to beat the Tories and Labour to keep his seat in this three-horse race – although Labour sources admit they are the least likely to win of the three.
