Shadbolt wants to sack deputy mayor

Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt has warned of "blood on the floor" as he seeks to sack his deputy, Neil Boniface.

The mayor shocked fellow councillors last night, telling a full city council meeting he had "completely lost confidence" in Mr Boniface, the Southland Times reported.

"... This is going to be a very divided and fighting council ... I will go into the next elections fighting and there will be a lot of casualties."

Mr Shadbolt said he was tired of councillors privately pledging support, then not backing him up when it came to a public vote.

The mayor had earlier in the meeting tried -- and failed -- to replace Mr Boniface with another councillor, Geoff Piercy.

Mr Shadbolt said he would call a special meeting for councillors to debate whether Mr Boniface should remain deputy mayor.