A decision on who will control Bradford Council is likely to go to the wire as the main parties have yet to agree on a coalition.

Discussions began last week between the Council’s leaders to determine who will take over as leader of the authority, given no party has a working majority.

The Conservatives’ new leader, Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, said she does not expect an announcement until the council’s annual meeting on Tuesday.

She replaces Coun Kris Hopkins who was elected as the MP for Keighley two weeks ago.

Labour made gains in the council elections this month at the expense of the Conservatives, leaving it as the largest group with 39 seats, seven more than the Conservatives on 32. But the two largest parties still need the backing of the Lib Dems’ 14 councillors to control the Council.

And in the past the Conservatives have ruled with the support of Coun Jeanette Sunderland’s group.

Coun Hawkesworth said: “Negotiations are still ongoing and we don’t expect a decision until the annual meeting. Knuckles have always been white at this meeting, and they will be whiter this time.”

Lib Dem group leader Coun Sunderland said her group was holding an away day this weekend where discussions will take place about leadership of the council.

“We would prefer an all-party executive to maintain a stable environment on the council,” she said.

And Coun Ian Greenwood, Labour group leader, said: “We have been in discussion with the Liberal Democrats and would hope to have more conversations prior to the annual meeting. There is no final outcome at the moment.”

Coun Hopkins will officially continue in the role for the time being.