Copeland’s mayor has offered Labour two seats at the top table as the executive begins to take shape post-election.

Independent mayor Mike Starkie made the announcement fresh from a victory which saw him come in comfortably ahead of his rivals, and with an increased majority.

David Moore, Leader of the Conservative Group, has also been re-appointed as Deputy Mayor, though Independent councillor Steve Morgan will be a new addition to the executive.

Labour clung on to its majority with 19 seats, gaining one seat compared with 2015, the Tories lost a seat and the Independents won seats.

Mayor Starkie said councillor Moore had been a “more than capable Deputy” over the past two years, bringing years of valuable experience to the council, including his knowledge of the nuclear portfolio.

Coun Morgan, a former US Navy admiral turned Sellafield director, has been selected to help the authority develop its “commercial agenda”.

Mayor Starkie said: “I have also spoken to the Chairman of Copeland Labour Party to offer the group two places on the Executive, in keeping with the proportion of seats they hold on the council.

“I have consistently stated that my position is to work with people of all political persuasions, and it is clear from the volume of people who voted for me last week that they agree with this stance.

“I am hopeful that the Executive and the council will work collectively for the benefit of the people of Copeland.

“Copeland Labour Party is due to meet this week to select a new Leader and consider the offer I have made to them.

“Finally, I would like to confirm the re-appointment of Mike Graham as my Advisor. The appointment of Mike was the first I made when I was elected four years ago, and his is the first appointment I make on my re-election.

“Mike has been a tremendous support to myself and the council over the past four years and I look forward to this continuing.”

Karl Connor, Chairman of Copeland Labour Party, welcomed the offer of two Labour seats on the executive which he said was in line with what they had hoped for and expected.

The Labour group will now consider the offer on the table, with an announcement in the next seven to ten days.