Conservatives in Broadland are confident of seeing off a Lib Dem challenge and retaining control in the district council elections on May 5.

The Tories dominate in the council chamber with the Liberal Democrats seen as the main challengers.

By rights it should be local issues which determine the election, but working out what issues will be on voters's minds could be the hardest task.

Could it be national issues and the performance of the coalition, will it be local issues such as the growth planned in areas such as Rackheath - although there are no single issue candidates standing, or will it be the recent county council cuts?

Intriguingly a number of leading twin-hatters are also up for election, including county council cabinet members Ian Mackie and James Carswell, while several councillors have also decided to call it a day including Brian Iles, Charlotte Casimir, and Tom Gasson and Dal Dewgarde.

But while the Conservatives and the Lib Dems work together in government, there is little love lost between the two parties in the district.

For the Lib Dems the key task will be to see if they can build on recent by-election successes such as Taverham North and Wroxham, which has seen them win seats from the Tories. The party also believes it can make gains and key targets are Aylsham as well as the second seat in Wroxham, and they are also keen to gain a second seat at Spixworth.

Labour, which was wiped out in Broadland last time around, will be keen to pick up seats, and are fielding 28 candidates including in urban seats on the edge of Norwich such as Sprowston Central and Thorpe St Andrew. The UK Independence is also fielding eight candidates and the Green Party has six candidates and there are three Independents.

Voters in 15 parishes in the district will also be to vote for their new parish councillor.

To see the full list of nominations log on to the elections page at Broadland District Council