AS I write this, we're just 24 hours away from the polls opening for the local elections.
Although I though I'll probably live to regret it, I'm going to make a few predictions.
As I've said previously, the wards to watch will be Scott, Wrightington, Bickerstaffe and (I didn't think I'd day this a month ago) Scarisbrick. All of those have greater potential than most for changing hands for various reaons.
Labour cannot really lose anymore ground to the Tories, so if they did lose either Scott or Wrightington, they'd have to off-set that with a win elsewhere.
I doubt very much that come Friday morning the overall political landscape of West Lancs will have changed dramatically. Currently, the Conservatives have 10 more seats than Labour and even if that figure changes, the blue vote would have to completely disintergrate for them to lose overall control.
The national scene will, for better or worse, have some impact on voters. The kick-back against Labour started early here (2002) so there's not likely to be many massive shocks for Labour locally. Indeed, they are quite candid about the fact it's not exactly ideal timing due to there being a mid-term government with a leader of 10-years standing on the way out.
If the Tories win, I suspect we may see a few changes. The deselection of Margaret Edwards shows that they are very keen to bring new blood in and I just wonder whether that will involve a new-look cabinet.
But whatever happens, don't forget that you'll be able to keep up with all the latest news and results here as they come in.
The Advertiser will be at the count at Ormskirk Civic Hall tomorrow night and we'll be updating this blog with results from every district ward.
Coverage begins after the polls close at 10pm. Don't forget to log on!
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