A DEAL has been done to divide political control of Herefordshire Council. Liberal Democrats, Independents and Labour are partners in a power-share, with Conservatives opting for opposition, writes BILL TANNER.

Confirmation of the coalition is expected at about 5pm today, following a final 24 hours of talks.

An all-new Cabinet line-up and other high-profile appointments will be unveiled when Council meets tomorrow.

Lib-Dem group head Terry James is runaway favourite to be Leader, with former Tory chief Peter Harling proposed as chair.

The election on May 4 ended without any party having enough seats to take overall charge of the authority.

Councillor James then proposed a power sharing pact, and the backroom brokers got busy reserving 'top table' places.

Lib-Dems, Independents and Labour have emerged from a hectic fortnight of negotiation as Cabinet partners.

Tories, however, opted for an opposition role and will dominate the monitoring/review committees.

Group Leader Olwyn Barnett says the new alliance should be subject to the 'positive scrutiny' that her team can provide from outside.

"Challenges facing Herefordshire's future need robust and open debate, we believe the county's interests are best served by us (the Tory group) pursuing that course of action."