Liberal Democrats have been given a key position on Brighton and Hove City Council.

Until now, the minority Labour group has, with consent, taken the chairs of all the major committees.

Now Liberal Democrat group leader Paul Elgood has been appointed to chair the Equalities Forum.

Councillor Elgood said he was delighted to take up a post which was important for the future of the city.

He has undertaken considerable work with the city's diverse communities, especially the lesbian and gay community, and proposed the city's partnership register.

Coun Elgood, who represents the Brunswick and Adelaide ward, is the youngest member of the council and the longest-serving group leader.

He said: "I am the first non-Labour chair of a committee in the city's history. But this is a non-political post so I was happy to accept the nomination.

"I am very much looking forward to working closely with a range of different groups and people ranging from older people, black and ethnic minority groups, the lesbian and gay community through to younger people. I want the work of the forum to be very much led by these communities."

Labour chief whip Brian Fitch said: "We've nominated Paul because we think he will do a good job. He has an outstanding track record in equalities, and is widely respected for the contribution he has made."

Council leader Ken Bodfish said: "These issues are not party political and we have had an opportunity to talk these things over with other parties."

One of the two deputy chair positions on the planning committee is being offered to the main opposition Tory party and again Councillor Bodfish said this was not political.

The only other significant change for the new council year is the appointment of Councillor Craig Turton to be in charge of transport.

He replaces Councillor Simon Battle.

Friday June 04, 2004