Talks between Worcester’s political leaders are ongoing as they decide what the balance of power will look like on the city council.

The council remained under no overall control following last week’s election.

The leaders of Worcester’s three biggest parties have a few more days to negotiate behind closed doors before a new council leader or joint leaders will be chosen at a meeting at the Guildhall next Tuesday (May 14).

With 17 seats - just one short of an overall majority - Labour will have a big say in the running of the council, but the Greens (12 seats) and the Lib Dems (five seats) will also be heavily involved.

Worcester News: Lynn Denham is hopeful other parties will get behind Labour's manifestoLynn Denham is hopeful other parties will get behind Labour's manifesto

Both parties have the most councillors they have ever had on Worcester City Council.

Lynn Denham, the group leader for Worcester Labour, said: “Our manifesto was drawn up for the four-year period following the local elections. It is our plan for Worcester’s future and we hope we will be able to deliver this over the next four years, and make as much progress as possible within the next year.

“Hopefully the other parties will be supportive of much of that, albeit they will have slightly different priorities.

“There are lots of conversations going on between the party leaders - but I can tell you there is agreement on continuing with the committee system.

“I’m aware there has been talk of us wanting to go back to the cabinet system but the Labour group wants to continue with the committee system - we are just looking at refining the details so we can make effective decision making going forward.”

Cllr Denham has put forward a motion that would do away with the Income Management sub-committee.

She said it met only a few times last year and barely had any business.

The motion would also see the Personnel and General Purposes sub-committee meet only when required.

“It doesn’t need its own chair,” said Cllr Denham, “it would be chaired by the chair of Policy and Resources. We’re looking for a quick win. The Labour group is not here to boost the ego or income of councillors - we’re here to serve the people of Worcester.”