Crucial Kirklees by-election count today

Oct 17 2008 By Barry Gibson

THE balance of power in Kirklees Council is on a knife-edge as votes are counted in a crucial by-election today.

Voters went to the polls in Dewsbury East yesterday to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of former BNP councillor Colin Auty.

The result is expected this afternoon.

Labour will become the joint biggest party on the council if it wins the seat.

The party currently has 21 seats, while the ruling Conservatives have 22. The Lib Dems have 19 seats and the Greens four. There is one independent councillor and one BNP representative.