Opposition parties at Kent County Council (KCC) are preparing to go into a "rainbow" coalition next year if the ruling Conservatives fail to secure a majority.

Labour, Liberal Democrats and the Greens have all acknowledged they are unlikely to secure the 40-plus seats required to take control of the council outright.

The Tories have 60 of the 81 seats but many backbenchers fear they might lose half their numbers at the polls in May 2025.

Labour the largest opposition party at County Hall with seven members, followed by the Liberal Democrats on six and the Green Party on five. There are three currently sitting as independents.

Veteran Labour Margate councillor Barry Lewis said there is a "strong possibility" of a Labour/Lib Dem/Green rainbow alliance.

He added: "There's not much difference between the parties in some respects. The Tories need only lose 20 seats in order for a new administration to come in and it's unlikely to be a single party taking over."

Labour is expected to prosper in East Kent and on the coast whereas the Lib Dems could do well in the west of the county in areas such as Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells.

The Greens' appeal is thought to be more evenly spread geographically but is hoping to do well in certain areas, such as Ashford.

Lib Dem group leader Antony Hook said: "It's a bit early to be talking about a rainbow alliance and we are taking nothing for granted.

"We want to win as many seats as we can because the Liberal Democrats make good councillors and, predominantly, we will be aiming for Conservative-held seats.

"But if the opposition parties go into an agreement of some kind, I am sure that we would provide good leadership."

Green Party group leader Rich Lehmann said: "Of course, I would love to see us get a majority at KCC but it's unlikely."

The party currently has five elected members on KCC but is aiming to take between 10 and 16.

Cllr Lehmann added: "I said that when the Labour Party put in its alternative budget recently that there was much that we agreed on and that will help should we find ourselves looking at a coalition.

"I'd be keen to see an alliance should the numbers stack up."

It is understood Labour will target resources at divisions where the party has come second to the Conservatives with more than 50% of their vote share.

It is not known yet if the opposition parties will strike up electoral pacts in certain divisions to ensure Tories are defeated.

A senior Tory backbencher claimed: "I'd be surprised if the opposition weren't planning something. They'd be mad not to.

"We know we're going to lose seats but they'd be wise not to start counting chickens before they have hatched.

"Don't forget it was shrewd financial management that has stopped KCC going bust. Heaven only knows what might happen if Labour get in - another Birmingham or Nottingham or Thurrock or Croydon?"

Some Tories say that by the time the county polls come around, the electorate will have voted in a local and general elections.

The backbencher added: "Keir Starmer is likely to be the Prime Minister and the Tory vote, which may have gone elsewhere, might be ready to return."

The Conservatives last week lost Ramsgate councillor Trevor Shonk, who said he was opposed to cuts caused by government under-funding at KCC.