However the 1999 election had seen the Liberal Democrats win more votes than Labour , 42.5 % compared to 38 % .
Liberal Democrats were confident of at least depriving Labour of a majority on the council in the election .
However the 1999 election had seen the Liberal Democrats win more votes than Labour , 42.5 % compared to 38 % , and they were confident of at least depriving Labour of a majority on the council in the election .