Derwentside Independents became the main opposition party to the ruling Labour group when they made some significant gains last night.
But Council Leader Alex Watson, leader of the ruling Labour group said he was not surprised by the results: "To be fair, I expected we would lose some seats and we did gain one at Tanfield, which was a bonus.
"The turn out has been phenomenal - 53pc from 32pc last time. To be honest, I do have mixed feelings about this. There is nothing like the buzz you get from the polling stations but I can see postal votes are here to stay and I believe they will be introduced by the next General Election."
In Lanchester, Independent John Ingham, a local government worker, and sitting Labour candidate Colin Burton had a dead heat and a recount was taking place.
Another Independent, Richard Young, gained a seat in the same ward.
