Conservative councillors have held control of the Local Government Association (LGA) following last week's local elections – but only by the slimmest of majorities.

The balance of power at the association reflects the political make up of member authorities. After the county councils went to the polls last week, the association was expected to stay under Conservative control.

However, the calculations found the Conservatives have just a 0.6%  majority – after a process of several re-counts. Calculations for this year's elections were made more complicated by shifting boundaries and by-elections, as well as the county elections.

This will leave Sir Merrick Cockell as chairman of the association for a final year – and will almost certainly hand control of the LGA to the Labour group after next year's elections.