THE ruling Labour party took a blow in Newport's council election battle. The opposition doubled its presence on the council as Labour saw its control cut from 79% to 62%.

Nationally, the party lost more than 200 council seats and came third overall. It lost control in Swansea and could face sharing power in Cardiff, where a recount was continuing today.

There was no change in Blaenau Gwent where Labour lost just one seat and counting in Monmouthshire, Torfaen and Caerphilly starts today.

Labour lost six seats in Newport but stay firmly in control with 31 councillors out of a total of 50 - giving them a comfortable majority.

Mayor elect and Labour councillor Paul Cockeram, 54, said: "I knew this would be a close election. Labour isn't popular because of Iraq but on the doorsteps the main concern was anti-social behaviour. We worked hard to boost turnout and I'm thrilled with my result."

New councillor Peter Davies, 57, for Labour, took the seat vacated by roads boss Graham Dally.

He said: "I'm a little surprised by the result as we had a lot of difficulties with the primary schools in Malpas. Now I'm looking forward to getting started."

At 2.50am today the final result was declared: Labour 31 seats, Conservatives 11, Lib Dems 6, Plaid Cymru 1 and Independent 1.

The shock Labour casualty was cabinet member for public affairs Tony Boswell, who lost Marshfield. Longstanding Victoria councillor Harry Williams and Graig councillor Peter McKim also failed to stay in.

The Lib Dems swamped St Julians and Beechwood wards after five elderly Labour councillors, including leader Sir Harry Jones, stepped down. Labour took all three seats in Caerleon.

The council has grown from 47 seats to 50. The previous council had 37 Labour seats, 6 Conservative, 1 Plaid Cymru, 1 Lib Dem and 2 Independents.