YORK’S Labour councillors have chosen a new leader following the local elections last week.

Cllr Danny Myers, who was re-elected to his seat in Clifton ward, will now lead the group with newly-elected Heworth councillor Anna Perrett as his deputy.

Long-serving former leader Janet Looker has stepped down to serve as Lord Mayor of York. Cllr Looker previously served as Lord Mayor in 2004 to 2005.

Cllr Myers said: “I’m incredibly humbled to be chosen by my colleagues to lead the group going forward in what is an exciting time for Labour in the city.

“I’ve been very clear with the group about how I intend to lead. Labour will provide a strong voice on the council that speaks up for protecting services and against austerity, at the same time as developing how we engage with residents right across the city who want to see our policies pushed through on the council.

“There is a lot we can achieve whether in control or in opposition on the council.”

Former deputy leader of the group Cllr Stuart Barnes has also stepped down from his role and Cllr Myers thanked both of them for their “commitment to the group and to the party”.

Cllr Looker, who has represented Guildhall ward since 1996, has been nominated as Lord Mayor after the Conservative’s choice for the role failed to hold his seat in the local elections.

Former Acomb councillor Keith Myers had been selected for the role.

The Labour group secured 17 seats on the council at the local elections, while the Liberal Democrats are now the largest group with 21 councillors. The Conservative group has two seats and the Green Party has four. Twenty-four are needed for a majority and coalition talks are ongoing.