THE county's political scene has been described as a "mess" in the wake of no single party being able to muster an overall majority.

The Conservatives ended up as the single largest group, but have been left confused following the seizure of six seats by Independent Kidderminster Hospital Health Concern.

"We're the largest group, so we'd expect to be in a powerful position when things begin to be sorted out," said the group leader, June Longmuir.

"But we've ended up in a mess. Wyre Forest has put everything in the melting pot."

She said the hospital campaigners had "essentially a one-item agenda" and it was unclear if they would co-operate with the Conservatives.

"Meanwhile, I don't see us being able to work with the Liberal Democrats, because of their woolliness on most issues," said Coun Longmuir, who represents Bromsgrove South.

Speaking yesterday afternoon, she said the Conservative and Labour groups were each due to meet this morning to begin picking roles for their members.

The Conservatives saw one of their veterans, Coun Ken Peers, ejected from the Rock and Bewdley division by IKHHC.

However, Coun Stephen Clee held Chaddesley for the Conservatives and Conservative candidate Louise Edginton overtook Labour councillor Nigel Knowles at the polls.

Labour members were also studying their options today.

A relieved Coun Peter Pinfield, who held his Droitwich Town seat with a hundred votes to spare, forecast a lot of what he called "corridor and Saturday morning meetings".

"Everyone is looking at how to reach the magic figure of 29 seats," he said.

"We've got to have a rough idea by the time full council meets on Thursday, June 28, but I can see weeks of negotiating ahead of us - perhaps even two or three months."

He was unsure whether the Liberal Democrats would continue to work with Labour, saying it was essential to work out each party's priorities. But even the Liberal Democrats' support would leave the Labour group short of a majority.