Labour claims its best efforts to unite a fragmented city council are being undermined.

The row is over the composition of the cabinet, the position of leader and the subject of power-sharing.

At a preliminary meeting held to discuss the issue, Patrick Davies, leader of the four-strong leader group, tried to persuade his colleagues that, because of the change in the council make-up, with the Lib-Dems no longer enjoying an overall majority, Sheila Campbell should not continue to be leader and the cabinet make-up should be adjusted.

However, his views were rejected and councillors were ordered not to discuss the proceedings.

In a letter to the Chronicle, Peter Rees, secretary of the Labour group, said: "This was blatantly anti-democratic and typical of a party that has had its majority slashed and yet still wishes to carry on as if nothing had happened."

Mr Davies raised the matter at Wednesday's mayormaking after Mrs Campbell's re-appointment was approved.

He said it was the first time in 24 years that he had spoken at the annual meeting.

He told members he wanted it on record that he considered the council was being asked to approve a cabinet when one party no longer had overall control.

"It will not lead to the good governance of the city," he added.

Mrs Campbell told him she thought power-sharing led to confusion. "It is much clearer for the electorate and the council itself that there is clear leadership," she said.