BACKROOM deals and unlikely alliances are being formed as Labor tries to shut-out the Greens from taking the top job at Inner West Council.

A mixed bag of independents and Liberals hold the balance of power on the council after results from last week’s election failed to deliver a clear majority to Labor or the Greens.

Labor’s mayoral candidate Darcy Byrne held talks with each broker at the weekend, while the Greens — who have yet to finalise their mayoral candidate — have also been locked in discussions with independents.

A Labor-Liberals alliance is on the cards, with the Libs’ Julie Passas signalling her support for Mr Byrne.

media_camera Victor Macri, one of three independents elected to Inner West Council. media_camera Liberals councillors Julie Passas.

In return, Ms Passas — who said she could not “in good conscience” support the Greens — has requested Labor support for a number of Liberal election promises, including a $200 rebate on rates notices for pensioners.

If agreed, Labor would need an additional independent to take the eight votes needed for the mayoralty.

John Stamolis, who was elected as an independent in a close race in the Balmain ward, said “all cards were still on the table”.

Mr Byrne called on Mr Stamolis “to respect the vote” in the ward, where Labor led 43 per cent while the Greens suffered a 10 per cent swing.

media_camera Independent councillor John Stamolis. media_camera Pauline Lockie was elected in the Stanmore ward.

“There have been frantic discussions and they’re still ongoing,” Mr Stamolis said yesterday. “The only clear thing from the results is no single party has claim to the mayor or deputy position.”

Independent Pauline Lockie has also been approached by Labor and Greens and has not ruled out leading a bid herself — a move that would require Greens and fellow independent support.

Ms Lockie, who comes from the WestConnex Action Group, said she was “not willing to accept a Liberal-Labor alliance”.

“The Liberals took a pummelling at the ballot and the community would be deeply uncomfortable with any compromise,” she said.

Independent Victor Macri has also been approached by the parties but said it “was too early” to decide which way his vote would swing at the vote on Thursday.

Winning the mayor’s job delivers a maximum salary of $65,230, compared to $24,550 for councillors.

The mayoralty will be decided by a majority vote of councillors at a meeting in Ashfield on Thursday.