More local election news: Conservative splits and Lib Dems pull out of election

Eleven Conservative councillors have quit the party in North Essex (continuing the pattern of a steady flow of councillors – and others – out of the Conservative party, including in David Cameron‘s own patch), whilst in Bolton the Liberal Democrats have pulled out of the local town council elections.

Meanwhile, I’ve spotted a fifth and a sixth council where the Liberal Democrats have retained control of without any votes needing to be cast (see here for the other four).

UPDATE: As pointed out in the comments, two Conservative councillors in Coventy have also quit calling the party, calling it “disgraceful” and “cruel”.