The leader of Southampton City Council does not plan to retire from the role, despite "rumours".

The question was posed to Cllr Lorna Fielker by her counterpart Peter Baillie, Conservative leader and councillor for Harefield during the full council meeting this afternoon.

Addressing the council chamber, Cllr Baillie asked Cllr Fielker if she could clarify her position.

He citied rumours circulating about her retiring “in the next two or three months," adding: “I would like to know if she will be putting the council or herself first.”

Cllr Fielker said: “I always put this council and this city first.”

Cllr Baillie interrupted: “Can you answer the question please”.

READ MORE: Council U-turn on Portswood bus gate with fines set to stop from tomorrow

After dodging the question, Cllr Fielker said: “I am leader of this council, and I intend to lead.”

This interaction followed Cllr Eamonn Keogh announcing that the Portswood Broadway bus scheme would be temporarily suspended. 

The suspension of the bus gate will begin from tomorrow, May 15.