MOLE Valley's political parties are keeping their cards close to their chests as the debate rages about who will take power in the new "hung" council.

The district elections a fortnight ago put Mole Valley back in a situation where no party has overall control.

This means that a power-sharing deal may need to be brokered to make sure that a leader and executive will be in place for the district.

Although the Conservatives still have the most seats, they only have one more than the Liberal Democrat group.

So the decision lies with the third biggest group, the Ashtead Independents, with five councillors, who can act as kingmaker to either party.

Their leader David Howell was unavailable for comment but his colleague Chris Townsend remained tight-lipped.

"I can say at the moment that both parties have been in touch with David and the other members of the Ashtead Independent group on the various issues that they want to raise with us. It is a very interesting situation."

James Friend, the councillor for Westcott, replaced Jean Pearson as leader of the Conservative group after the elections.

He said he was undecided as to whether he would put himself forward as council leader.

He confirmed negotiations were going ahead, but that nothing was decided.

"We are constantly talking to each other, that would be the way to describe it, but we do that anyway. I think it is almost impossible to know," he said.

Margaret Cooksey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, told the Advertiser that the leaders of the groups were set to meet today but she could say little else.

But while the politicians are reticent about what will happen, people in Mole Valley were clearer about what they are expecting from whoever takes over.

Clare Roberts, from Westcott, said: "The main thing is that I think the leader should listen and consult with people when there is something going on like building and extra housing.

"It would be very good if they listened to the people, as they aren't a listening council at all."

Ann Wade, of Dorking, said she wanted whoever took over to drop the £1 parking charge.

The appointments of the leader and deputy leader and the make-up of the executive will be decided at next Tuesday's council meeting.