Metro

De Blasio ruffles Dem leaders in backing Mark-Viverito for City Council

Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio is actively pushing lefty pal Melissa Mark-Viverito as the next City Council speaker — infuriating Democratic Party leaders, sources said.

“He did it without informing the county leaders — and they’re pissed,” said one council member.

While de Blasio’s phone calls were described as a “soft pitch” rather than a hard sell, several council members said it was a distinction without a difference to Democratic leaders who have traditionally been kingmakers in the speaker’s race.

“It’s a soft pitch, but they know the strong arm is coming behind it,” one council member said.

Councilman Lew Fidler (D-Brooklyn) said the incoming mayor has the clout to tilt the election, which will be decided by a vote of the 51 council members next month.

“If Bill de Blasio is weighing in in a significant way, then that’s a game-changer,” said Fidler.

De Blasio spokeswoman Lis Smith wouldn’t characterize his conversations.

“As he’s always done, Mayor-elect de Blasio routinely talks with members of the City Council and other civic leaders about the critical issues facing New York City,” said Smith.

Mark-Viverito, a longtime de Blasio ally and leader of the council’s Progressive Caucus, declined to comment.