TODAY the new line-up at City of York Council was announced. Bizarrely the first name we looked for was the leader of the ousted Labour regime, Coun Dave Merrett. But he was not on the team sheet: he has turned down the chance to play a continued role in the council executive.

This is probably a wise decision, although not an easy one. Coun Merrett must have been tempted to take up council leader Steve Galloway's canny offer, and wield ongoing influence in the running of the city.

And there is much to be said for political co-operation, especially when many of York's problems require solutions which will take longer to implement than the four-yearly electoral cycle.

But there were also good political and personal reasons for saying no. If he had taken up the position, Coun Merrett would have created friction within the local Labour Party. Such a controversial move would have been bound to cause resentment among some of the Labour activists who campaigned against the Lib Dems before May 1.

Moreover, it would have been undemocratic. The people of York voted for change. They brought in the Liberal Democrats because they wanted fresh ideas, a new perspective. Many of those who supported the Lib Dems at the poll would have felt betrayed if the leader of the previous regime commanded a place at the top table.

And, as Westminster shows us, our political system demands an effective opposition. With a place on the executive, Coun Merrett's ability to challenge the ruling regime would have been fatally compromised.

What York needs is strong leadership, political co-operation when it is possible, and constructive opposition when it is not. We wish the new executive well.

Updated: 10:32 Thursday, May 15, 2003