David Watkins is expected to be the first Liberal Democrat mayor of Brighton and Hove.

His party has accepted an offer of mayoralty for the coming year by the ruling Labour group.

Councillor Watkins, a retired tailor who represents the Brunswick and Adelaide ward, will be nominated for the post.

The nomination will go to a full council meeting next month, where it is expected to be confirmed.

Coun Watkins has been a member of the city council since 1999 but had considerable experience before that at Hertfordshire County Council.

He has recently been chairing important scrutiny reviews into the Palmeira House project and the row about community grants.

Coun Watkins will oversee the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations in Brighton and Hove next year.

He is married to Sheila Levenson, who will be the mayoress.

He has some high hopes for the city in the forthcoming year.

Coun Watkins said: "I hope to be invited to meet as many local groups as possible and to join them in their Golden Jubilee celebrations."

Group leader Paul Elgood said: "We are sure David will make an outstanding contribution to the city in this year of office.

"He has an excellent record of public service on the council and in his Brunswick and Adelaide community."

But Tory councillor Geoffrey Theobald said his group should have been offered the mayoralty for next year.

He said: "We have only had one mayor, Jenny Langston, in Brighton, since Labour took control way back in 1986.

"We have many able and experienced councillors, yet the Lib Dems have not been on the council for three years.

"We have nothing against David Watkins but it is most unfortunate that this has been decided."

Coun Watkins will succeed existing mayor Harry Steer when his term of office ends in May.