The four party group leaders on City of York Council today (23 May) announced a framework for the future leadership arrangements of the authority.

The local authority elections earlier this month left no party in overall control of the council, with the Liberal Democrats taking 19 seats, Labour taking 18 seats, the Conservatives taking 8 seats and the Greens taking 2 seats.

Under proposals agreed by the four group leaders, the Liberal Democrats - the largest group on the council - would form a minority administration for the next 12 months. Labour - the second largest group on the council (18 seats) - would form the shadow administration.

The proposals will have to be agreed by councillors at the authority's Annual General Meeting on Thursday (24 May).

The proposals, which include proportionately sharing committee chairs across members of all political groups, are based on some basic themes agreed by the four group leaders:

- That the city must have a workable, durable, speedy and inclusive decision making process. Any structure must be allowed to work for at least 12 months and should be based on an agreed set of policy objectives and milestones.

- That the decision making process must recognise that voters did not give any party an overall majority and that they may expect to see a 'mix' of policies and personalities.

- That the new council needs to take a fresh initiative in terms of communicating with, and consulting, its residents and stakeholders.

- That changes may be needed to the council's Constitution, which would assist in the running of a balanced council.

- That the council must have a responsible financial management policy which will be durable. The policy must address known financial pressures on the council's budget.

- That there are some difficult financial choices to be made over coming months, including job evaluation; waste management;  increased demand for some services; pressures on the contingency provision because of the cost to the council of providing older people with free bus travel; continuing pressure on both adult and children's social care budgets; resources for the capital programme as well as the need to focus on filling key officer vacancies; maintaining service quality and getting a sound Comprehensive Performance Asessment (CPA) rating from the government.

Councillor Steve Galloway, leader of the council's Liberal Democrat Group, said: "I should like to thank other group leaders for their contribution to this process which has of necessity involved some flexibility on all sides. I will seek to work constructively with other stakeholders during the next 12 months for the benefit of York residents, as we set out on another chapter in our city's long history."

Councillor David Scott, leader of the council's Labour Group, said: "We intend to work constructively in opposition to ensure that the views and wishes of residents are respected by the council.  We want to see the City of York Council move forward for the benefit of residents and will continue to work with the other leaders to achieve this."

Councillor Ian Gillies, leader of the council's Conservative Group, said: "This accord we believe will be a foundation for a new beginning in politics for the City of York. The agreement should allow the city to move into a new sphere of co-operation, goodwill, and a balanced approach to take the city forward."

Councillor Andy D'Agorne, leader of the council's Green Group, said: "The changed political landscape in the city is an opportunity for us to put the people and city before party politics by involving residents more actively in planning the future shape of life in York - tough choices will have to be made that take account of the views of the people of York."

The four group leaders have also agreed to try to create a policy consensus on key issues affecting the city and are proposing to introduce a cross party Strategic Policy Panel to look at controversial issues.

New policies to reflect the new political make-up of the council, if agreed, will include:
- removing evening parking charges for residents as soon as is practicable
- the commissioning of a City of York climate change strategy report
- a review of the city's leisure and swimming strategy

David Atkinson, the council's chief executive, said: "I am pleased that we have a way forward, and that we will have an administration that recognises the democratic imperative to work together for the long term good of the city.

"The city is on the threshold of major opportunities and it is essential that the council shows strong leadership to help shape York's future. The council is also facing some difficult choices over the coming months and years and needs to have an effective decision making process."