THE dramatic result in Worcester's by-election has fuelled rumours that Gordon Brown is to hold an autumn General Election.

Conservatives lost overall control of Worcester City Council when Labour's Jenny Barnes was victorious at Thursday night's St Clement by-election.

Because the city is considered a key marginal constituency for the Tories - one that they must retain in order to win in a General Election - speculation that the Prime Minister is considering a snap election has risen.

Worcester Labour MP Mike Foster does not, however, think the landslide result will make a difference to Brown's decision.

He said: "The result in St Clement's is partly down to a change in the Labour party's fortune nationally but more than that, it was to do with the issue of bin collection.

"And whilst it is a fantastic result, I don't think it is one that will help determine the date of the next General Election.

"That is Gordon Brown's decision and I doubt it will have much to do with the wheelie bin policy of Worcester City Council."

Senior Conservative backbencher Ian Taylor said yesterday (Fri) Mr Brown is now in a good position to win an election because voters do not yet the Conservatives as "an alternative Government", others however have warned the PM to hold off.

The St Clement result means the city council is now made up of 17 Conservative councillors, 13 Labour councillors, three Liberal Democrats and two independents.

Mrs Barnes, who lives in St John's with her husband and four children, said bin collection was a major issue for residents.

"There have been mixed views about the bins," she said, "but a lot of people seem to be unhappy with what's on offer at the moment.

"It's an issue that came up again and again."

Coun Simon Geraghty, leader of the council and the second St Clement ward representative, said his party will now take stock of the situation.

"I am disappointed that we have lost this seat," he said. "It will be a time of reflection for us now, to look at the issues raised and consider them.

"We are still the largest party on the council and would look now to form a minority administration."