Winchester City Council was left without a leader after Thursday's local elections when Rodney Sabine failed to be re-elected.

The former Liberal Democrat council leader said he was targeted by a Conservative and Labour leafleting campaign to oust him, and was not surprised he was not elected. "They campaigned very hard against me personally and that's understandable," said Mr Sabine. "Obviously I am disappointed because I had so many plans for next year, such as broadband internet for Alresford."

The next leader will be elected this weekend, and it is widely believed Sheila Campbell will take control. Overall, however, the Liberal Democrats held their stronghold on the council and retained 35 seats.

The Conservatives increased their number of seats, from 11 to 14.

But leader, Freddie Allgood, said they had targeted six extra seats and had hoped for better.

"I am disappointed that we didn't have more progress. We came very close in four seats, where there were less than 20 votes in it."

Commenting on Mr Sabine's defeat, he said: "It wasn't a great surprise to me because he made such an issue of the fact that he was worth more money."

Labour took three seats, one less than in the last local elections, but leader Patrick Davies was pleased to retain his seat.

"It's sad we lost a first-class councillor in Clare McKenna, but the Liberal Democrats were determined to remove me so I am very pleased to be personally re-elected." Voter turn-out was much higher than the national average of 35%. In four out of 26 wards, over 50% of voters ventured out to the polling stations.

Only in new ward, Whiteley, the turn-out was significantly low at only 25%.