The Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron has criticised the continued lack of Accident and Emergency services at Westmorland General Hospital.
He said his constituents were suffering rationing of healthcare, not by price, but by distance. In response, the Health Minister Dr Dan Poulter said the new clinical commissioning groups would have the power to look at this issue, when they come into force in April.
Speaking as the South Lakeland District Council count got under way Tim Farron MP said: "I strongly believe we will buck the trend here.
"There may be a couple of seats up and down but I believe we will remain in control, we have worked incredibly hard here and I believe the people can see that.
"We have a micro climate here, what happens nationally doesn't always affect us.
"Nationally there have been some bright spots but a lot of them dark.
"When a Councillor loses their seat by and large it's not their fault. It is up to us nationally to stand up and take responsibility."
The make up of the council currently stands at Con, 17, Lab, 1, Lib Dem 31 and 2 vacant. Results are expected early afternoon.