In a night of drama, Carlisle City Council was also left with no leading political party.
Two by-elections were held for previously Labour-held seats: those of Belle Vue and Yewdale.
In a closely fought battle, Labour managed to retain Belle Vue by just four votes.
However, it lost out in Yewdale, with Conservative Christina Finlayson receiving almost 140 more votes than Labour's Graham David.
The result means the Labour party now has 26 councillors - one less than the number needed for a majority.
BELLE VUE LAB HOLD
Labour: Pamela Birks 775
Conservative: Rob Currie 771
Independent: Susan Riley 116
YEWDALE CON GAIN
Liberal Democrat: Jeff Coates 152
Independent: Malcolm Fraser Craik 92
Conservative: Christina Finlayson 931
Labour: Graham David 792
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