FOUR days after Southampton council was thrown into limbo by the local elections, talks have still not taken place on who should run the authority.

The three parties have until May 16 to decide how the council will be run over the coming year.

While decisions have been made within the parties, the Daily Echo can reveal that none of the parties has met to discuss the future leader of the council.

Despite losing power in the elections, Southampton's Liberal Democrats have reappointed former city council boss Adrian Vinson as their leader.

However, with just over a week to go, Tory deputy leader Royston Smith and Labour group leader June Bridle confirmed that no talks about the future leadership had taken place.

Councillor Smith said: "As the largest party, along with Labour, we would have expected to have been approached by the other parties, but no one has said anything. It's very strange, actually.

"There seems to be a bit of a who is going to blink first' scenario going on.

"I think it's largely down to the fact that the Liberal Democrats have their own problems at the moment."

Councillor Bridle added: "People will talk to each other - it's inevitable - but they haven't yet. We are very much hoping to form an administration between now and May 16."

Meanwhile, Lib Dem deputy leader Councillor Jill Baston gave her support to reappointed Councillor Vinson, saying he did an "excellent job" as leader.

She said: "Under his leadership Southampton has had consistently low council tax increases and improving services across the city.

"We believe he did an excellent job for the city and as leader of our group.

"Members put their loss of seats at the local election largely down to the national trend, not the group's performance running the council."

Cllr Vinson said he was pleased at the unanimous support.

He said: "The Liberal Democrats are taking time to re-assess their situation and are determined to continue to work for the best interests of the city.

"We were brave enough to tackle some difficult issues, like the gypsy transit site, in the city's interest.

"Let's hope the new administration has the same integrity and courage."

While Cllr Vinson's reappointment was celebrated by the Lib Dems, rival parties wasted no time in attacking the move.

Cllr Smith said: "It doesn't surprise me that Adrian Vinson has been made leader again.

"Their party is so weak and woolly that there is no one else waiting in the wings to take over."