MONMOUTHSHIRE County Council could see a change in power after tomorrow's elections, with the Independents tipped to take more seats.

Although the independent group consisted of only three Independents and two Liberal Democrats, they held the sway as there was a hung council for most of the time since the last election in 1999.

In the last few months since the death of Labour member, Cllr John Harvey, both Labour and Conservative groups held 18 seats, but Labour retained power because of the election looming so close.

Several notable councillors are standing down this time, including the leader David Waring (Wyesham), veteran councillors Verona Bamford (Thornwell), Bill Price (Llantilio), Donald Spencer (St.Arvans) and council chairman Colin White (Shirenewton). Also standing down are Ted Dorel (St.Kingsmark) and Grant Williams (Castle and Grofield).

This time there are 43 seats, instead of the usual 42, because of the addition of the ward of Devauden following boundary changes, and more than 140 candidates from the four major parties will be fighting for those seats, along with Independents and a member of the Green Party.

In Monmouth the current town mayor, Cllr Susan White (Con.)will be contesting the Overmonnow seat alongside former mayors Maureen Roach (Lab.) and Richard Bond (Lib.Dem). Another former mayor Eileen Goodrich (Lib.Dem) is fighting the Dixton with Osbaston seat against Richard Cass (Con).

Former Labour stalwart Graham Powell, who has represented the party for more than 50 years, is standing as an Independent in the Severn ward for Caldicot.

And former Abergavenny Labour Party members Graham Preece and Ralph Chapman are contesting the Castle and Mardy wards as Independents.

New candidates fighting as Independents in Abergavenny are Norma Watkins and Laurie Jones, better known as the chairman and vice chairman of Park Street Infants School governing body.

Mrs Watkins is standing in the Croesonen ward and Mr Jones has already been elected for an uncontested seat on Abergavenny town council.

The only member of the county council who has been returned unopposed is Cllr Val Smith who represents Llanbadoc ward.