Labour vs Conservatives
LABOUR and the Conservatives are gearing up for the fight to win control of Wirral council.Two years ago, the Tories were expected to make big gains after boundaries were redrawn - but failed to take advantage.
Labour remain the largest party in a council that has now been hung for four years, and will be keen to make the final push that will let them take control.
Altogether, 22 seats are up for grabs, one-third of the council chamber.
Close fights are expected in a number of wards, including Clatterbridge, Liscard, Greasby and Pensby.
Labour must hold onto eight seats and take eight more from the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats in order to win.
The Tories, meanwhile, need to hang on to seven and wrestle a sizeable 13 from their rivals. Among their candidates is Leah Fraser, who failed to win the Wallasey parliamentary seat in last year's general election.
The Lib Dems, who were the only party to make gains in 2004, will be defending six seats. They will need to sweep up a further 16 seats to pull off an overall victory.