TENSIONS are rising at the election count as candidates fight for seats on Harrow Council.

The Conservatives currently hold 35 seats on the council - a ruling majority - ahead of Labour with 24 seats, with two Lib Dems and two independents.

However, if the Tories lose four seats and gain none, they will face the prospect of being the largest party on the council but not having an overall majority.

There is an added factor of independents standing in Tory strongholds in Headstone North and Harrow-on-the-Hill, potentially taking away more seats from the ruling party.

And if Labour pick up seats in marginals like Kenton West, the Conservatives face the prospect of losing control of the council altogether.

Volunteers have been counting the votes at Harrow Leisure Centre since 11am, and an announcement in Pinner South – a Tory stronghold – is expected imminently.

The Liberal Democrats have targeted several seats around the borough in the hope of boosting their two council seats, adding extra spice to a fascinating battle for control of the council.