Leading Labour councillors have asked organisers of a protest march and rally tomorrow to postpone it.

The event has been organised by groups including the Socialist Alliance, Globalise Resistance and the Green Party to coincide with the first day of the Labour Party conference.

Expected to attract up to 10,000 people, it will start at The Level and march down to the Brighton Centre.

City council leader Ken Bodfish joined forces with his deputy Jackie Lythell, and cabinet councillor Ian Duncan.

Councillor Duncan said: "There are no greater defenders of free speech than Ken Bodfish and the council but these are exceptional times."

While many decent people planned to demonstrate, there were security problems with such a large gathering.

He added: "I am calling on the organisers to delay the demo until there are more normal times."

Green councillor Keith Taylor said he had received no direct approach to cancel the event.

He said: "We are working closely with both the city council and the police.

"We are making every effort to ensure it is a peaceful, potent, positive protest.

"If there are people who want to cause mischief, they will not be welcome."