THE battle for control of City of York Council officially began today when nominations closed at noon.

The majority of the council's 47 seats will be a straight fight between the Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties.

But some of the 22 wards under the new boundary arrangements could see interesting campaigns.

Gordon Campbell-Thomas, who recently burned his Labour Party membership card, is to stand as an independent in the Hull Road ward.

Three independents are to stand in the Clifton ward, where ex-council leader Rod Hills is not standing.

Coun Hills was suspended from the Labour Party after his arrest in connection with a range of offences last year. He was convicted on a charge of careless driving and acquitted of the rest.

The Monster Raving Looney Party has two candidates, one of whom is Graham Cambridge, otherwise known as Elvis impersonator Eddie Vee. The Greens are fielding 15 council candidates.

The Conservatives have 27 candidates, the Lib Dems 47 and Labour 45.

A full list of candidates will appear in tomorrow's Evening Press.

Updated: 15:35 Tuesday, April 01, 2003