COUNCILLOR Dave Tyler is expected to be elected as Mayor of Dudley at tonight’s annual general meeting of Dudley Council – regardless of whether the balance of power changes.

Cllr Tyler, who represents the Kingswinford North and Wall Heath ward, has been Deputy Mayor for the last 12 months – with his wife Barbara accompanying him as Deputy Mayoress.

The veteran Labour councillor is expected to succeed outgoing Mayor Cllr Mohammed Hanif whether or not the Labour Party maintains its grip on the council.

Councillor Patrick Harley has said he will be putting forward a bid to form a Conservative administration but he has promised Cllr Tyler will become Mayor whether Labour or Tories are chosen to run the council at tonight’s meeting at Dudley Council House – which is set to start at 6pm.

He said: “I have no problem with the Deputy Mayor becoming Mayor. We have the numbers to stop Dave Tyler being Mayor but I’m choosing not to pursue that option.

“We won’t vote against Dave Tyler. I don’t think it would be morally right.”

He said the Conservatives would be putting forward Councillor Alan Taylor for Deputy Mayor.