in all areas of Britain", while the Liberal Democrats described the results as showing "that the people of Hartlepool have rejected Labour". However Labour blamed the results on an election deal between the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives. Aftermath Following the election the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives began talks on an agreement to run the council between themselves. A special council meeting took place on 25 May and the two parties took control with Liberal Democrat Arthur Preece becoming the new council leader. References 2000 English local elections 2000 2000s in County Durham