York's next Lord Mayor is to seek legal advice on how he should vote in council meetings following the knife-edge election result.

Labour has been left with just a one-seat majority on the City of York Council.And Lib Dem Councillor Peter Vaughan wants to know what will happen when it comes down to him casting deciding votes at full council meetings during his term.

He is about to take the chains of office from Coun Derek Smallwood and says the issues surrounding the direction in which he should vote are a grey area.

Coun Peter Vaughan said: "I have raised the issue and there will be a joint discussion by the major parties. We will refer it to legal officers to recommend what the position is.

"We need to know what the practice will be in the event of a tied vote, now that we have this knife-edge situation.

"The issue is about the direction in which the Lord Mayor should vote. Should he or she cast in favour of the majority or in favour of no change, or what?"

Coun Vaughan is keen to clear up the matter before he takes over at the Mansion House on May 20 and this week, advice will be sought from the council's legal experts.

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