Deputy leader protests innocence over campaign budget claims

The campaign finances of Imran Hussain, 32, (Lab, Toller), of Bradford Council and his agent Coun Adrian Longthorne, (Lab, Clayton and Fairweather Green), are being reviewed by the Electoral Commission after an allegation that the overspent the limit of 1,100.

Amjad Hussain, a 43-year-old shopkeeper, complained to the Commission after unsuccessfully standing as a Conservative Party candidate against Coun Hussain in the Toller ward in May.

Last month the Yorkshire Post revealed that the Commission was looking into complaints that Imdad Hussain, the successful Labour candidate in the Heaton ward of Bradford, had spent more than the 1,100 permitted. That inquiry is due to be completed later this year.

But Imran Hussain said: "I am aware of the review and I am looking forward to demonstrating that I have fully complied with both the letter and the spirit of the law and of course I will be co-operating with the Commission to bring this matter to an early close. I have absolutely nothing to hide; it is ridiculous.''

Bradford Council leader Ian Greenwood, (Lab, Little Horton), said: "I am absolutely confident that Coun Hussain will demonstrate to the Electoral Commission that he has complied with the letter and spirit of the law.

"I would also like to say that it is about time that some of our opponents recognise that elections are won and lost in the ballot box rather than the courts.''

A spokeswoman for the Commission said yesterday: "The Electoral Commission has received an allegation and we are currently treating the matter as a case under review" .

Coun Longthorne was unavailable for comment.