The Conservatives snatched control of Hastings Borough Council last year but the balance of power could change on May 3 with two by-elections.

Full elections are not being held in Hastings this year, but the result of the votes in two wards could see the end of the Conservative majority won from the Labour Party last year.

Two Tory councillors resigned from the council last month, sparking the ballots.

Daniel Poulter, of Gensing ward, has stepped down to pursue a medical career in London after just one year as a councillor.

Michael Lambrechs, of Silverhill ward, handed in his resignation this week because of poor health.

Mr Lambrechs had been living 800 miles away from his ward in Tarragona, Spain.

The council is now hung with 15 Conservatives, ten Labour and five Liberal Democrat councillors.

Both the Lib Dems and Labour are confident they could claim the seats, which would hand the Lib Dems the balance of power.

Councillor Richard Stevens, Lib Dem leader, said: "Voters have the opportunity of seeing a much more balanced council.

"We are very much in the running."

Councillor Jeremy Birch, Labour leader, said: "The Tories would lose their majority, the council would be hung and as a result would work very differently.

We're always confident.

"Last time people were voting against the national Labour party, but this time, they'll be showing their anger at the Conservatives. There's a possibility for a balanced council rather than a one party state."

The Conservatives are confident of retaining the two seats.

Key issues are likely to be plans for parking charges in St Leonards and controversial proposals for a gipsy and traveller camp.