Exclusive: Former Lord Mayor quits council post after drink-drive conviction

Ghazanfer Khaliq, a 60-year-old Muslim and the holder of the environment and sport portfolio, was arrested on September 29 at Five Lane Ends, Bradford Road, Bradford. A test revealed that he was more than twice over the legal limit.

He appeared before Bingley Magistrates last month and was disqualified from driving for 17 months, fined £560 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Yesterday the leader of Bradford Council, Ian Greenwood, who represents Little Horton for Labour, said: “Clearly Coun Khaliq recognises he made a mistake and understands that it is appropriate to resign from the executive as a result of this incident. It was his own decision and a decision with which I agree. He recognises he has made a stupid mistake in his life and that there are consequences attached to his mistake.

“Obviously it would be inappropriate to comment further apart to say he will be interviewed by the Labour whips in the future.”

Councillor Greenwood has written to councillors stating Coun Khaliq has stepped down from the executive and there will be an election to replace him, at the next Labour group meeting.

Coun Chris Greaves, a Bradford Independent councillor, said: “Obviously it is a private matter. On a personal level I regard him as a friend, he is very well-known and popular.

“He will be a loss as he was doing a good job and was a strong spokesman for public transport.”

Coun Khaliq, a well-liked, veteran politician with more than two decades’ experience, represents Bradford Moor. No one was answering the phone at his home address in Thornbury Avenue, Bradford, yesterday.