THE Deputy Lord Mayor of Oxford cannot be removed from his post by his fellow councillors, it has been confirmed.

Some councillors have urged Sajjad Malik to resign from the post and as a city councillor for Cowley Marsh after he was given a 28-day Domestic Violence Protection Order on March 5.

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Although his fellow councillors would be able to call a special meeting to call for his resignation, the final decision would be up to him.

A city council spokesman said: "A motion could express no confidence and call on the civic office holder to resign but would not technically remove them from office if they refused to resign."

Andrew Gant, the leader of the city council's Liberal Democrats, urged Malik to 'take some responsibility' and stand down from both posts.

The next city council meeting will be held on April 29, where a motion calling for his resignation may be tabled.

The new Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayors will be officially appointed for the next year on May 13.

Current Lord Mayor Colin Cook is undertaking all official ceremonial duties on the council's behalf.

The new Lord Mayor for 2019/20 will be the Green Party's Craig Simmons. The Deputy Lord Mayor will be Liberal Democrat Mohammed Altaf-Khan. Another Liberal Democrat, Steve Goddard, will be sheriff.

Mr Malik has been approached for comment over calls for his resignation.