Labour council leaders in Bradford and Huddersfield ousted in wake of elections

Bradford Council leader David Green and Kirklees Council leader David Sheard were replaced at meetings of their respective Labour groups.

Coun Susan Hinchcliffe has been elected as the new leader of the Bradford Labour group while it is understood Coun Shabir Pandor will lead Labour in Kirklees.

With Labour holding a majority on Bradford Council and being the biggest party on Kirklees Council, both can expect to become leaders of the respective authorities.

The replacement of Coun Green in Bradford was greeted with surprise by Labour colleagues in West Yorkshire last night given Labour had just extended its council majority in the local elections

Coun David Green has been Labour group and council leader in Bradford for four years, succeeding Ian Greenwood.

Coun Hinchcliffe said: “I’m hugely proud to have been chosen by my fellow Labour councillors to lead my home city at this challenging but exciting time.

“I want to pay tribute to the work of my predecessor Coun Dave Green. He took on the mantle of leadership at an extremely difficult time for our Party and brought about major change and significant improvements for our district – he stands down with Bradford in far, far better shape than when he became leader.

“Now I want to take us to the next level. As a Bradfordian who has had great opportunities from a comprehensive education and upbringing here, I want even better for future generations.

“I want Bradford to fulfil our potential - to be known for our distinct brand of energy, diversity and entrepreneurialism.

“I want us to have strong ties with other major cities and increase our national positive profile.

“We know more disproportionate and damaging cuts are on their way from David Cameron’s Tory government and I’ll stand up against them, but we can’t stand by and wait for a change in Westminster. Bradford needs to punch above its weight now on the regional and national stage, and that’s what I’ll aim to provide in my leadership.”

Coun Sheard was elected leader of Labour group two years ago following the surprise decision of then Labour council leader Mahboob Khan to step down and subsequently leave the council.