Opposition councillors are calling for the public to have a say on a “power grab” policy which would change how the city is governed.

Brighton and Hove’s Green Party say Labour’s decision to move to a cabinet-style council model is “significant and concerning” and is calling for a city-wide referendum on the decision.

It comes after Labour announced it wanted to move away from the current committee-style model, where opposition councillors can discuss decisions in greater detail.

Labour said it would not back a referendum and said the new plans presented “huge opportunities” for the city.

But Brighton and Hove City Councillor Steve Davis, leader of the Green group, said: “This is nothing more than a power grab by the local Labour leadership. It is a significant and concerning change to how our democracy works in Brighton and Hove and one which we are firmly opposed to.

“This was not in Labour’s manifesto. They do not have a mandate to force through such sweeping changes which have the potential to undermine local democracy.

“Residents need to be given the chance to have their say on these plans. Any changes should be delayed until after a people’s vote and Labour should commit to honouring its outcome.

“If the Labour leadership is adamant this is a positive step for the city and not just their own party, they should be confident enough to make their case to the people of Brighton and Hove and agree to abide by what residents decide.”

Brighton and Hove Labour group announced last month that it wanted to move to the cabinet model with the plans set to go before full council on March 28.

Under the cabinet model, individual members of the cabinet have decision-making powers which are then scrutinised by an overview and scrutiny committee.

The model favours a majority party with opponents to the plans saying it excludes opposition councillors from decision making.

The cabinet model is the most popularly used style of governing, having previously been introduced under Tony Blair in 2000.

Council deputy leader Jacob Taylor said Labour would not back a referendum on the matter, adding the new system “presents huge opportunities to make the council more responsive to residents and more focused on delivery”.

He said: “The local Green Party seems to believe in opposition for opposition’s sake but I’d encourage them to see the opportunities for our city.

“We don’t think residents want us to spend nearly half a million pounds on a referendum and we’d much rather spend public money on cleaning up the city, investing in net zero, and providing direct financial support to low-income families during the Tory cost of living crisis.”