The future of Otley Town Council is still up for grabs.

Despite winning 46.3 per cent of the vote, Labour holds only seven seats while the Liberal Demo-crats, who garnered 25.2 per cent, have seven and Independent councillor Nigel Francis, a market trader, holds the balance of power.

A meeting between Labour and Lib Dems and Coun Francis failed to decide who to elect as mayor and the chairmanship of the main committees.

As well as the political stalemate, Otley's town clerk Les Cross is off work with pneumonia and not expected back before May 24.

An annual meeting will be held today at the civic centre at 8pm.

Labour leader Councillor Gerald McGowan said: "Our position is that it is very important to agree policy for the six committees - the only thing we have agreed is that we would divide them between us.

"Our share of the vote gives us a democratic legitimacy which I hope will be recognised in our discussions with the opposition."

Lib Dem leader Councillor Colin Campbell said: "Our view is that the electorate made a decision and we have to abide by that. Nobody has overall control.

"We are not unhappy about that. We can move away from an overtly political aspect and work in co-operation for the people of Otley. We would work together with everybody - all 15 members, including Nigel."

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