A LEAFLET aimed at discrediting an independent group was blamed for Labour's downfall in the Stockton Borough Council elections yesterday.

Labour group leader Bob Gibson said the unofficial leaflet, distributed by a Labour Party member to homes in Thornaby, had backfired.

The literature listed a catalogue of alleged failings and wrong-doings by the incumbent Thornaby Independent Association (TIA) councillors, and urged voters to oust them.

But at the polling booths on Thursday, Labour lost four seats to TIA candidates, as well as one seat to the Conservatives, to lose its control over the council.

Councillor Gibson said there would be an inquiry into how the leaflet was allowed to be distributed to the Thornaby electorate.

He said "The leaflet hurt us. It had no permission to go out.

"I can't believe the arrogance of whoever decided to let it go out.

"If it was not for this leaflet, I have no doubt that we would still hold those seats in Thornaby.

"We've just lost control of the best council in the country."

Coun Gibson said the Labour group would seek to form a coalition with the Conservatives, who took 13 seats.

Sylvia Walmsley, one of the TIA candidates that took Labour's seats in the Stainsby Hill ward, said: "We are pleased that the people saw through the leaflet and have given us their confidence."

The six Ingleby Barwick Independent Society councillors all retained their seats, with an increased overall majority of 21 per cent.

The Liberal Democrats were also pleased to hold seven seats and regain one seat they lost to an independent at the last election.