A state of limbo faces Kirklees Council after the local elections left the authority without a party with overall control.
While Labour made two gains, taking the number of seats they hold to 34, it is still one short of overall control.
It means the Labour Party will once again need to reply on opposition members to get budgets and key initiatives passed without being blocked by the opposition.
The Conservatives remain the second biggest party with 18 seats - they won in Kirkburton with Clr John Taylor but lost Dewsbury South and Salim Patel. They also retained Lindley with new councillor Gemma Wilson joining the party.
The Liberal Democrats lost their Almondbury seat to Clr Judith Hughes (Labour) seat, giving them 10 councillors, while the Green Party lost one of their five councillors, Clr Derek Hardcastle. Holme Valley North remains independent after Clr Edgar Holroyd-Doveton retained his seat.
Watch our interview with Judith Hughes
Clr David Sheard, Kirklees leader, said: "We're without overall control, and I think it's a stretch of anyone's imagination to think the opposition will join together to challenge us to become the administration.
"My biggest worry is what happens next, with the Conservative government we just don't know, I am worried about local authorities facing bankruptcy, I don't think we will be the first but I do think it's a reality for some by 2020 unless the government sort funding out."
It is likely Clr Sheard will remain council leader — the Labour Party has its AGM next week and he will put himself forward for the role.
He added: "I would step back but the fight is so important and the times are so difficult. If I'm needed and wanted then I'll do it."
