Today saw the close of nominations for next month's district council elections in the Vale, and the Lib Dems are clearly struggling. They failed to put up a candidate in every seat, and in many areas they have not put up local candidates. In Faringdon for example all three Lib Dem candidates seem to come from Wantage. Elsewhere in the District as many as 9 sitting Lib Dem councillors are standing down, possibly disillusioned with their party. By contrast the Vale Conservatives have put up a candidate in every seat, and are set to make major progress in May's elections. A full list of Conservative candidates is available online by clicking here.