PAUL Keetch showed formidable speed in reacting to the local elections in Hereford.

His website was updated at precisely midnight on May 1, as the Liberal Democrat told of his joy at his party's strong showing.

In particular, he was pleased that Terry James had been returned to continue running the council.

While most people were sleeping, Paul was proclaiming: "This was a very successful night for the Liberal Democrats, nationally and locally.

"With a very high turnout we polled more votes that the Conservatives in my seat, even though they had a few more candidates.

"I am delighted that Terry James has been returned to continue to run the Council."

"The continued infighting in the Conservative Party is still causing the Tories embarrassment locally."

"Nationally we saw our highest ever share of the vote, winning more councils in England and holding our own in Scotland and Wales."

It's all good knockabout stuff, so what's the problem? Well, it appears Mr Keetch was just a little too quick off the mark.

Coun James won't be returning to run the council and nor will the Liberal Democrats after being dumped in a spectacular coup a few days after the event.

Instead, a Conservative-Independent alliance has taken control.

Making matters worse, the dramatic changes came after only marginal losses for the Lib Dems, down three.

But with Labour historically aligned to the Liberals it was the Independent group with its 16 seats that held the balance of power.

And they opted to side with the Tories, without - it appears - warning Mr Keetch first.

He has been much slower to recognise this fact than he was to record his party's "success".

The original statement of joy is still taking pride of place on his website.