POLITICAL power in South Lakeland could change hands as every seat on the district council will be up for grabs in elections on May 1.

Nominations have been invited for all 51 wards in the district - reduced from 52, following minor changes by the Boundary Commission for England. Extra importance is being placed on the election, as all seats will be contested at once, rather than one-third of the seats annually over three years.

Now political groups in South Lakeland have begun their campaigns in a bid to win additional seats and increase their representation on the district council.

Since 2006, the Liberal Democrat group has held overall control of the council with a majority of 31, followed by the Conservatives with 16 seats.

Labour has two seats and the Green Party one seat. There is also one independent councillor.