THE deputy mayor position for 2018-19 could come down to a political battle between Labour and the Liberal Democrats.

The council's mayoral selection committee will meet on Monday to agree a deputy mayor for the next civic year.

Members will make a recommendation before it goes to full council for official approval on May 21.

The Liberal Democrats are due to finalise their deputy candidate before the proposal is put forward at Monday's meeting.

But the Warrington Guardian understands the ruling Labour group is nervous about that prospect as it would leave the borough with a Liberal Democrat as mayor in 2019-20 – with the next local elections due for 2020.

Cllr Wendy Johnson is understood to be the Liberal Democrat selection for the post.

But Labour candidates are also jostling for position.

Cllr Amanda King, who hoped to be the party's Warrington South candidate in last year's General Election, is understood to be interested, as is former deputy mayor Cllr Jan Davidson, who was set to become mayor before she lost her seat in 2004.

Labour members will discuss the deputy mayor position, and whether to put anybody forward, at their group meeting on Thursday.

Cllr Bob Barr, leader of the town's Liberal Democrats, is calling on Labour to allow a member of his party to take over the ceremonial chains.

He said: "Originally, the Liberal Democrat position was that we didn't expect to have a suitable candidate until after 2020 elections, but that has changed and we hope our candidate is successful.

"Of course, Labour could use their majority to go against precedent and not give our group a turn.

"That would be particularly unfortunate in the present circumstances – we would protest, though probably to no avail."

The figure holding the mayoral position is entitled to a special responsibility allowance of £15,012 per annum together with a travel allowance of £486, while the mayoress, or consort, receives £4,003 per year.

The deputy is entitled to £5,004, while all councillors receive a basic allowance of £8,014 per year.

If there is a resignation, as in the case of Cllr Les Morgan, the relevant allowance ceases on that day.

Paul Kennedy, a former leader of the town's Conservative group, confirmed he turned down the position of mayor twice.

Mr Kennedy, who served as Hatton, Stretton and Walton borough councillor between 2008 and 2016, believes Cllr Morgan 'did the right thing' by resigning following 'shameful' comments on social media.

He said: "I chose not to go for it as I thought that I could make better contribution to the council by being leader of the Conservative group and focusing on my work as a borough councillor.

"A lot of councillors don't come forward to be the mayor now, so therefore, it is left open to those who are prepared to do it, and that is where the difficulties arise, with councillors who lack both the experience and the required skills to become the mayor.

"It is incredibly sad for Les and his family that his mayoralty should end in this way and it is now something that he, and his family, will have to live with.

"Social media and foolish fingers, a toxic combination – the scourge of our times and the downfall of many has, alas, struck again."

Deputy mayor Cllr Karen Mundry will take over responsibility of chairing full council meetings until the end of the civic year, along with covering significant diary events.

She officially takes over as mayor at the full council meeting on May 21.

Discussions are ongoing regarding the Mayor's Ball, which was scheduled to take place on May 11, with the event likely to be changed to a charity fundraiser.