The Local Government Association has issued guidance advising chief executives how to react in case no political party emerges in overall control of their council after this week's local elections.

Cumbria is the only council with no overall control among the 34 English authorities which go to the polls on 2 May. However, experts believe this situation might well change given the expected split of votes between parties and forecast gains by Labour – reclaiming many seats lost in 2009's low-water mark.