Joyce Edmond-Smith is a councillor who stands by her principles even if they get her into political trouble.

While her talents and experience undoubtedly entitle her to a place on the ruling Cabinet of Brighton and Hove City Council, she has been too awkward to gain a place.

Now Coun Edmond-Smith is asking her colleagues in the ruling Labour group to back her as leader when Lynette Gwyn-Jones retires next month.

It will be a big surprise if she beats Ken Bodfish who until today was widely expected to be elected without any contest.

But at least she has made a fight of it. Both she and Coun Bodfish will now have to explain to her colleagues why they are best suited for the job.

Because he has broader appeal, Coun Bodfish is likely to gain the political prize he missed by the narrowest possible margin two years ago.

He is a skilled operator, particularly strong where the city council needs most help in regeneration and modernisation.

But if Ken Bodfish does win the support of his colleagues, he should not ignore the talents of the woman who fought him for the job.

She is too good to be left on the back benches and deserves a post on the environment side, which is her main interest.