Morgan 'concerned' over poll losses

Rhodri Morgan has said he is "very apprehensive" about Labour's performance in the local elections in Wales.

With 18 of the 22 seats declared, Labour had lost control of five councils in Wales by Friday afternoon.

Plaid Cymru had gained nine councillors but lost control of one council by this time.

Labour lost Merthyr Tydfil, Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen in its valleys heartland areas, as well as Flintshire.

The Conservatives held onto Monmouthshire and also gained control of Vale of Glamorgan, while the Liberal Democrats strengthened their lead in Cardiff and could defeat Labour in Newport.

First minister and Welsh Labour leader Rhodri Morgan said the tide was "turning strongly" against his party.

"If Labour voters are disaffected they are not going to come out and we are going to lose seats," he said.

Shadow Welsh secretary Cheryl Gillan said the Tories were "building bit by bit in Wales", adding: "On the doorstep it was obvious that there was real pain out there."

The full results of the Welsh council elections are expected by Friday afternoon.