A SINGLE-PARTY "Cabinet" to run Worcester City Council is almost inevitable, according to its leader.

Councillor Robert Rowden said the passing of a new Local Government Act meant the authority would be forced to change.

The Conservatives have been fiercely critical of the plans and decided, following their success in the May elections, to postpone any changes to the current committee system until the last minute.

The Government claims modernisation is essential.

According to the new Act, authorities with a population of more than 85,000 must abandon the committee system that has operated since Victorian times.

The Government suggests policy could be drafted by a small "Cabinet", freeing other councillors to spend more time with the public as well as scrutinising decisions.

"There is the danger that backbenchers would be sidelined," said Coun Rowden.

"But this is something we are forced to do by Government and we have to comply with the law. A Cabinet system is more or less inevitable."

The council will hold a meeting next month to decide how to proceed.

The political structures working party, which has met several times already to debate the proposals, will discuss the way forward on Wednesday, September 6.

"It will be open to the Press and public," pledged Coun Rowden, who wants all members of the council to attend if possible.

"We have to get this thing in place in time for the new municipal year in April, perhaps earlier. But it won't be before Christmas."

He said a Cabinet would be single-party. The Conservatives now hold power, with 16 seats compared with Labour's 15, the Independents' four and one Liberal Democrat.

"You can't have collective responsibility if it's a multi-party show," said the councillor.

Further information and guidance from the Government is expected in the next few months.