CLYDE Loakes has held on to power as council leader.

The head of the Labour group was challenged by the cabinet member for community safety, Cllr Afzal Akram.

The 25 Labour councillors voted on who they wanted to be leader at last night's annual general meeting (AGM).

Cllr Loakes polled 15 votes to Cllr Akram's 10.

Cllr Loakes has been in charge of the Labour group of councillors for five years, and this is the first time he has been challenged.

The contest could mean a reshuffle in the cabinet.

Who gets which job will be decided at the Labour group's second stage AGM, to be held next Thursday.

Neither Cllr Loakes or Cllr Akram were available for comment this morning.

Although Cllr Loakes remains council leader, the balance of power still hangs on whether the Liberal Democrat group remain part of the Lab-Lib power sharing coalition.

Their AGM will be held on May 12.