FAMOUS faces from the south's political scene fell last night as Labour's grip on Southampton was broken by the Liberal Democrats.

But it was still unclear today who will run the city when the dust settles after yesterday's council elections.

That is unlikely to be decided until a full council meeting on May 21 after talks between the three main parties.

The Liberal Democrats now have 18 councillors, Labour 16, the Conservatives 12, the Liberals and Independents one each.

Big names thrown out of office included former regeneration supremo Paul Jenks and ex-leisure chief Julian Price.

Elsewhere Eastleigh Liberal Democrat stalwart Martin Kyrle's 20-year stint as a councillor is over after the former mayor was rejected by voters in West End - just 12 months after his wife Margaret was herself ditched at the polls.

Despite that his party maintained its grip on power winning 30 seats out of 44.

The Liberal Democrats had a scare in Winchester where they clung on by just one seat in the city which they have ruled since 1994. They how have 29 out of 57 councillors.

The New Forest remains true blue, but not without a nail-biting recount which delayed the final result.

The Conservatives finished with 32 seats to the Liberal Democrats' 27 with one independent.

Romsey voters helped the Conservatives keep control of Test Valley Borough Council. They have 30 seats with the Liberal Democrats claiming 16 and independents two.