The Conservatives have ruled out a coalition after losing control of Leicestershire County Council.
The authority fell into no overall control after Reform UK won 25 seats, just shy of the 28 needed to take full control in the local elections.
It is the first time the Tories have not been in charge at County Hall in almost a quarter of a century as they secured 14 seats, the Liberal Democrats 11, Labour took two seats and there was one each for Green and an independent.
Deborah Taylor, who was acting leader of the council prior to the elections, said: "We see that people want change and they have voted for the majority group of Reform UK to be in charge at Leicestershire County Council."
"We have decided we will be a strong opposition to them," added Taylor, who held on to her seat in the Bradgate division.
"We will hold them to account and make sure they abide by their promises."
