A 'TOXIC proposal' has been withdrawn ahead of the Labour group's annual general meeting (AGM).

Labour councillors raised concerns over the matter following fears that it could 'lead' to having two deputy council leaders.

A proposal, proposed by Cllr Tony Williams and seconded by Cllr Tom Jennings, was due to be voted on at the Town Hall meeting later today, Thursday.

It read: "The Labour group elect two deputy leaders, one female and one male, to serve for four years to coincide with the all-out electoral cycle, or part thereof in the event of any leadership changes.

"One deputy leader to be responsible for discipline, to work with the chief whip on agreement with the leader.

"I believe that this change is good practice.

"It would achieve gender balance in the leadership and could be an opportunity for further progression."

A Labour spokesman said the motion was 'explicitly' about creating an additional officer role within the group and 'not an executive role on Warrington Borough Council'.

However, despite the statement, a number of group members believe it 'absolutely' referred to, and would 'lead' to, having two deputy leaders of the council – with one labelling it as a 'toxic proposal'.

The current allowance for a deputy council leader tops £15,000.

Although, if two people were in the role it could have been doubled, if approved by full council.

Cllr Bob Barr, leader of the town's Liberal Democrats, raised serious concerns.

He said his party was 'amazed that Labour is considering spending an extra £15,000 on a second deputy leader', adding 'it certainly doesn't have our support'.

But it has now been confirmed that the proposal, which many Labour councillors were against, has been withdrawn.

There is due to be a vote on the deputy council leader post this evening.

Current deputy Cllr Russ Bowden is set to contest the vote against former deputy Cllr Graham Friend, Cllr Maureen McLaughlin and Cllr Amanda King.

Last May, council leader Cllr Terry O'Neill survived a leadership challenge at the AGM.

The party's councillors also 'overwhelmingly' voted to get rid of the annual leadership contests in order to bring about 'stability and align the group's operating protocols', with the next leadership vote due to take place at the local elections in 2020.

Although Cllr O'Neill is scheduled to remain as leader until 2020, the Warrington Guardian understands Cllr Bowden is interested in becoming the next council leader.