A CONSERVATIVE group leader has promised to ensure the Labour mayor designate of a borough will be confirmed later this month.

Cllr Joe Cooney was responding to suggestions he would seek to block the formal election of Southfield ward representative David Whalley as Pendle’s first citizen at the annual meeting on Thursday, May 18.

The council is split between the Labour/Liberal Democrat administration and Conservative opposition, both with 24 councillors, with a lone British National Party representative Brian Parker.

In cases of deadlock the mayor could have the casting vote on controversial issues.

Lib Dem boss and council deputy leader Cllr Tony Greaves said: “There is a rumour circulating the Conservatives intend to take control in a fortnight’s time by cheating on the long-established system for choosing the mayor.”

He challenged Cllr Cooney to deny the rumours adding that blocking the confirmation it would be ‘a disgrace’.

In response Cllr Cooney said: “We will not block Cllr Whalley’s appointment as mayor.

“In fact we will support him and I am intending to nominate him for the post.

“These rumours are blatantly untrue.”