WORCESTERSHIRE’S Labour group has laid down the stakes for next week’s elections - by revealing they would be prepared to talk to “any party” over forming a potential power-sharing Coalition.

The revelation raises the prospect of a Lib Dem-Labour pact taking over County Hall in an historic re-run of the 1993-2001 period.

On Thursday May 2, the Conservatives will be defending an overall majority of 23 at Worcestershire County Council, with 40 of the 57 seats currently blue.

The prospect of the controlling party losing power is unlikely, but the presence of UKIP and the current Coalition Government’s mid-term poll ratings suggest some seats are likely to change hands.

Councillor Richard Udall, from the Labour group, said: “We are looking to make significant gains to deprive the Conservatives of an overall majority.

“We would be happy to discuss our programme for Worcestershire with other parties in the event of that happening.

“We would be prepared to talk to any party to see if that was possible.”

He also said the Lib Dems are “not our natural bedfellows” because of Nick Clegg’s stance nationally, but added they would be open minded if the Conservatives lose significant numbers.

Any Coalition would almost certainly need backing from Green Councillor Clive Smith, Liberal Fran Oborski, and the two Independent Community Health Concern politicians in Stourport.

It would also take a huge swing in votes from the Tories to rival candidates, Councillor Liz Tucker, the current boss of County Hall’s Lib Dem group, used to be the leader of the county council in the 1990s when a Lib-Lab Coalition ran the authority.

In 1997 former Labour politician Caroline Warren took over, but in 2001 the Conservatives swept to power, resulting in Dr George Lord becoming leader.

Coun Tucker has urged caution over the call, and says the group is focused on winning seats for the Lib Dems only.

“Each group has got to stick to its values, and we need to wait and see until the elections are over to see who’s got the strength,” she said.

“It would take one hell of a swing to change things. We are fighting to get the best representation we can.”

Councillor Adrian Hardman, the current Conservative leader of the council, says his group will be “looking to keep hold of every seat” it currently holds.

He has appealed for voters to back the party based on its track record in recent years, including a council tax freeze for three years on the trot.

At Worcester City Council, the Tories lost overall control in last year's local elections, which led to behind-closed-doors talks for several days.

In the end, the city's Lib Dems struck a deal with the Conservatives, although it is not a formal Coalition.

At the Guildhall, a minority Tory administration is effectively in control, but a joint manifesto from both parties is being followed.