THE Tories are bowing out of the tug-of-war with Labour over the Hyndburn mayor's chain.

Both political groups had been expected to nominate a candidate for the role of first citizen at next week's annual council meeting and mayor-making ceremony.

But the proposed Conservative nominations of group leader Councillor Peter Britcliffe for mayor, and former councillor Sandra Hayes for mayoress, will not now be put forward.

Coun Britcliffe said: "It is not a climbdown.

"The position of mayor has taken enough knocks and we are loathe to do anything which would further diminish the dignity of the position in the eyes of the public.

"I think, morally, the victory is ours and will leave Labour to live with their conscience."

The controlling Labour group will be putting forward Coun Mirza Yousaf as mayor, and Coun Maurice Cowell as deputy mayor.

Under a new selection system, all parties have the right to nominate a candidate every year with members then voting openly on their choice.

Coun Britcliffe, who voted against the rule change, said: "You are going to demean the position of mayor because you are politicising it.

"It will mean the position is totally in the hands of the controlling group of the council whether that be Labour or Conservative."

The mayoral melee came about following the failure of Tory mayor and mayoress-in-waiting, Doug and Sandra Hayes, to hold on to their seats in the local elections.

Labour leader Coun George Slynn said Coun Yousaf, as next year's deputy mayor, was the logical nomination for mayor.

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