The Conservatives look set to hold on to the most eastern part of Sussex - Rother.

With the leader of the district council, Graham Gubby, due to stand down, the most interesting battle could be for his position.

The second largest party in this picturesque part of the country is the Liberal Democrats, with six seats on the council.

Labour has made few inroads into the area, even at the height of the party's national popularity, and returned only three councillors in 2003.

Two Labour stalwarts - husband and wife Helen and Keith Bridger - left the party last December and will be standing as independents in Rother's Sidley ward, a former Labour stronghold.

The party's one remaining councillor, Samuel Souster, is standing in Rye.

One of the most widely reported political stories in the last year involved Greg Barker, Tory MP for Bexhill, who hit the headlines when details of his private life emerged.

But the Tories have backed the MP and do not believe this will have any bearing on the elections.

They currently have 25 councillors, taking 13 of the 18 seats in Bexhill in 2003, while the Lib Dems tend to fare better in other areas.

Major issues in the district include safety on country roads and the introduction of alternate recycling and rubbish collections.

Deputy leader Councillor Robin Patten said: "The response has been very positive and although national issues do not impinge and what we do in Rother, it does help that the Conservatives are becoming more popular across the country."

The Lib Dems will be looking to improve their standing and are putting candidates forward in all wards, but not for all seats.

A total of 81 candidates will fight for the 37 seats, with the Lib Dems putting forward 21 people, Labour 14 and six independents standing.