The Conservatives will remain the largest party on Craven District Council – whatever the result of next Thursday’s elections.

Nine seats are being contested and the Tories will have to win at least six to retain their overall majority.

However, no other party can equal its number of seats – it currently holds 17.

For the first time in year, Labour, which has no representation on Craven Council at present, is contesting every ward.

By contrast, the Liberal Democrats are not fielding a single candidate.