YORK’S Lord Mayor Ian Gillies is thinking of using a special council meeting next week to “urge councillors to work together and improve the standard of politics in the city”.

If that is code for banging a few political heads together, it would be very welcome.

Since Labour lost its majority, politics in York has become mired in petty squabbling – on social media as much as across the floor of the council chamber.

Such bickering isn’t why councillors were elected and it could have a serious impact on the way this city is governed.

York faces a number of key challenges in the run-up to next May’s council elections. The draft Local Plan has already been delayed. Key decisions also have to be made on Castlegate, Yearsley Pool, the nature of York’s relationship with West Yorkshire and the repayment of Lendal Bridge fines, among others.

In one sense, it could be argued that having no one party in overall control is good for local democracy. It should offer the chance for meaningful political debate and consensual decision-making.

And so it might: if only local politicians were able to learn the art of negotiation and compromise.

Next week’s meeting is officially being held to change the make-up of key council committees so they reflect the fact Labour no longer has a majority. But Cllr Gillies says he may try to urge councillors to “ensure the city’s reputation is not damaged”.

Let’s hope he succeeds in encouraging a better spirit of co-operation. The challenges York faces demand it.