LABOUR has retained control of City of York Council for at least another ten months, after a motion of confidence in the ruling group was approved by four votes.

The motion was carried by 27 votes to 23, after - as predicted in yesterday's Evening Press - the Conservative group voted with Labour.

The council's one Independent, Janet Hopton, also voted with Labour.

Both the Tories and Coun Hopton said they believed York's electorate should decide who runs the city, in next May's full council elections.

Coun Hopton told last night's full council meeting: "The current position has not arisen through the wishes of the electorate. They have the chance to express their wishes next May.

"I support the motion and believe it is in the best interests of York and its residents to retain the status quo."

The motion's success meant that a motion of no confidence, tabled by opposition and Liberal Democrat leader Steve Galloway, was withdrawn.

Coun Galloway had proposed the one-party rule system be replaced by a power-sharing cabinet drawn from all parties in the council.

Council leader Dave Merrett said: "If the council is to achieve its objectives, it is important there is a stable administration.

"York residents will have the opportunity next May to make a decision about this council. They need to be clear about who is making that decision and why.

"We need an end to the mischief making and speculation so this council can continue to do what needs to be done for the people of York.

"Labour is willing to fill that responsibility which is why I have tabled this motion."

But Coun Galloway said: "We offer the opportunity to seek the genuine debate this council needs. It needs to be more open, more accountable.

"Everything has to be controlled in Labour councils ... the resulting atmosphere is one of apprehension.

"All we are faced with now is nine to ten months of continued indecision, conflict and confusion."

Voting for the all-party group would have meant policies "would continue after next May," said Coun Galloway.

Tory leader John Galvin said: "Our group has had a difficult choice to make and the pressure of the dilemma gets ever sharper.

"In two years the Liberal Democrats have not put forward anything that gives us any confidence. It would have been nice tonight if they had said what they would do differently - they have not.

"A warning to Labour and the Liberal Democrats, this is not about confidence, a plague on all your houses.

"It is about what is right for this authority, this city and the people who live here."

The Tories would not be voting with Labour "at every turn", Coun Galvin said.

Updated: 11:47 Tuesday, July 16, 2002