Birmingham MP John Hemming is in danger of being ousted as chairman of a body that brings together the city's most influential public and private sector executives.
Mr Hemming (Lib Dem Yardley) is under pressure to relinquish the chairmanship of the Birmingham Strategic Partnership after several board members said it was wrong that an MP should hold the position.
They believe Birmingham should follow the example set in most of the rest of the country, where strategic partnerships are normally chaired by the leader or deputy leader of the city council.
The BSP, whose members include chief executives from businesses, universities, the faith and community sectors, is becoming increasingly important. It oversees expenditure of the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund in Birmingham and is negotiating a Local Area Agreement with the Government, which could result in the council being given additional powers and more money.
Board members were asked by city council interim chief executive Stephen Hughes to comment on future arrangements for the BSP chairmanship.
Among those wanting Mr Hemming to resign are the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Birmingham Community Network, the Learning and Skills Council, JobCentre Plus and the University of Birmingham.
All of those who wish to see Mr Hemming go stressed they were not influenced by personalities.
David Cragg, regional director of the West Midlands Learning and Skills Council, said Mr Hemming had put considerable effort into chairing the BSP.
However, Mr Cragg added: "It is, in my view, essential that a member of the leadership of the city council chairs the BSP."
Sue Battle, chief executive of the Chamber of Commerce, said: "The chamber regards it as essential that the BSP should be chaired by either the leader or the deputy leader of Birmingham City Council.
"The BSP must connect back directly at the most senior level to debate within the local authority so that there is a joined up approach at cabinet level to all the important strands of discussion which are ongoing."
Mr Hemming said he believed members wanted him out because he was outspoken.
The MP, who is also a city councillor, was the driving force behind a decision to hold BSP board meetings in public - a move which he believes made him unpopular with some board members.
He will consult the council's Liberal Democrat group before deciding what to do.
Mr Hemming added: "I will do whatever is in the best interests of Birmingham."
