Is Labour wanting to seize control of council? (From York Press)

Is Labour wanting to seize control of council?

11:19am Tuesday 11th December 2007 in News By Gavin Aitchison, gavin.aitchison@thepress.co.uk

YORK is set for a power struggle as opposition councillors plot to overthrow the city's rulers, The Press can reveal.

Members of the Labour group on City of York Council are planning an ambitious coup that would see them seize control of the city for the first time in five years.

The Press have learned that Labour is considering an attempt to form a minority administration in May. Leader David Scott said Labour were not in coalition talks with any other group. But he would neither confirm nor deny the suggestion that they would try to form a minority administration, to oust the Liberal Democrats.

One source said: "Labour want to have a go at power. Although the Lib Dems are the largest party, Labour feel they can get enough support from other parties to take over and form an administration of their own."

The forthcoming budget process will prove pivotal in determining what comes of Labour's plans.

The current Lib Dem executive will make the initial proposals for the next financial year, and Labour will need to win support for either an alternative budget altogether, or a significant number of amendments, to pave the way for a power change.

Coun Scott said he had yet to decide whether to propose a full alternative budget, saying it depended on whether the Lib Dems "showed vision", but it looks increasingly likely that Labour will table their own plans in full.

Rumours had suggested Labour and the Greens were looking to come together but, when questioned by Conservative leader Ian Gillies at last week's party leaders' meeting, both Coun Scott and Green leader Andy D'Agorne denied any alliance.

Coun Gillies said yesterday: "We have not been approached by anybody to share power, but we know we are in a unique position and it would be difficult for anybody to take control without our assistance."

Coun D'Agorne yesterday told The Press he had heard nothing of the rumours.

But when reminded of Coun Gillies's comments, he said: "Oh yes, he did", adding that he had "forgotten all about that".

He said he remained keen on a cross-party coalition, saying: "I would certainly pursue an all-party executive if it would make for better decision making."

Lib Dem and council leader Steve Galloway said he thought it unlikely the Conservatives would back Labour.

He said: "What Labour do is up to them. We will continue to manage the city as best we can."

Attempts to form an all-party executive last year collapsed, leading to the Lib Dems forming a minority administration.

Coun Scott said last night: "We have no plans for coalition of any sort, and we are not in discussions with any other party."

He said a Labour minority council was not on the agenda "at the moment".

He said: "The agreement between the parties was made to last a year. There is to be a review coming up to that point with all parties - that would be around March or April.

"We will be discussing with all groups about the future arrangements of the council. I cannot comment any further."