Clegg's fight to retain control of Hull

In a city that's long been divided on sporting grounds, Hull's political leaders are preparing for their latest showdown.

The Liberal Democrats stormed to power in this former Labour stronghold four years ago. And this is one of the few councils in the North of England where the Lib Dems still have outright control.

Critics of the Lib Dem-run authority believe the tide is about to turn, due to the impact of spending cuts which will see around 1400 council posts axed and £65 million wiped off the budget.

The Lib Dems' poll ratings nationally have plummeted, but on a visit to Hull last week the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said voters should judge the party on its record locally under the leadership of Carl Minns.

Mr Clegg said that Hull - as recently as 2004 under Labour - was branded the worst council in the country.

Dr Simon Lee - a senior lecturer in politics at the University of Hull - told me: "Hull is a weathervane for the policies of the Coalition government. Hull is an economy overly dependent on public sector jobs, so unless we see evidence of an economic recovery, we are not likely to see it in other parts of the United Kingdom."

Those who choose to vote in Hull will decide the result of one of the most fiercely contested election battles in the country.

With a close contest on the cards between the Lib Dems and Labour, there's every chance the city's two Conservative councillors and two Independents could end up playing a pivotal role.