Labour has pledged to end “12 years of Liberal Democrat misrule” at next week’s local elections, and is targeting at least six of the party’s seats in a bid to oust them from power.

After four years in the political wilderness, the party is hoping for a return to Guildhall at the expense of the Lib Dems – with Norbiton and Grove wards top of the hit list.

The party has now released its manifesto, pledging to build more social housing, setting up a non-profit lettings agency, providing affordable pre-school placements and reducing energy bills through insulation programmes.

Labour also wants to give every young person in the borough an offer of a job, a college place or an apprenticeship with the council taking more of a lead on enterprise support.

Labour chairman Laurie South, who is standing in Norbiton alongside former ward councillor Sheila Griffin and Linsey Cottington, said: “If we managed to win in those three places, nine or 10 seats would be fantastic.

“I suspect it may be a little less than that, but the likelihood is even down to three seats we’d probably be in a very strong position in terms of the balance of power.”

Should Labour succeed in turning Norbiton, Grove or Beverley even partially red, it could potentially pave the way for the Conservatives to gain power in Kingston for the first time in 20 years.

Mr South said: “It’s been very interesting watching what the Lib Dems are doing in the coalition, because I think they sold their political capital very short, and that’s a thing we would be very careful not to do.”

Asked what Labour’s priorities would be should they win council seats, Mr South said: “I think housing and schools are a major problem, but a lot of problems have arisen from changes to welfare benefits.

“That’s caused major problems for people. There are some tragic cases – it is outrageous.”

Lib Dem council leader Liz Green said: “If we’re in a position of no overall control, obviously all the parties will have to come to an understanding.

“I know a lot of councils where they have a coalition.”