Oxford's hung city council would be more representative if a so-called traffic light coalition ran the show, senior councillors have said.

However, the current ruling Liberal Democrat administration - which has 15 of the 48 seats available - has ruled out going into partnership with the Greens and Labour.

A traffic light, or rainbow, coalition would see councillors from the three main parties represented on the decision-making executive, proportionate to their number of seats.

In that set-up, Labour would have the most seats. Both Labour and the Greens think this would be in the best interests of the city, one of the most politically divided in the UK.

The next elections are in May when half the city council's 48 seats are up for grabs.

Green group leader Craig Simmons said: "We would support a traffic light coalition because different parts of the city support different priorities. The best way for us to represent these views is in the ruling executive.

"We have written to John Goddard. I think the Lib Dems will suffer massive losses (in May) and will benefit other parties - possibly even the Tories."

The next time the Liberal Democrats' leadership of the city could be challenged is at next month's council meeting.

It is believed Labour will pass over the chance to take control and wait until after May's election.

The current political make-up of the city council is: Labour, 19 seats; Liberal Democrats, 15 seats; Greens, eight seats; Independent Working Class Association, four seats; Conservative, two seats.

Mr Goddard said of the proposal for a traffic light coalition: "I don't think that is realistic. A traffic light coalition would be proportional to the numbers on the council - and the swing position would be held by the Greens.

"So if Labour and the Lib Dems want to support more houses in Oxford, the Greens would do their best to stop it."

Labour city councillor Bob Price added: "We have said we would review the situation in September and take stock then."