Labour leader wins challenge to top position

8:15am Thursday 8th May 2008

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The control of Bradford Council's largest political party is still in the same hands following a failed challenge for the group's leadership.

Councillor the Rev Paul Flowers was defeated in a vote as he vied to replace Cllr Ian Greenwood as leader of the Labour group, behind closed doors at the group's annual meeting in City Hall.

But the Labour Party's deputy leadership changed hands as challenger Cllr Imran Hussain (Toller) edged out Cllr David Green (Wibsey) in a tight vote.

Cllr Greenwood, who has held the Labour group's top spot for a decade, said: "I want to thank my colleagues for showing continued confidence in me.

"We had a setback last Thursday which we believe was driven by national rather than local issues."

Since 2000, no single party has held a majority on the council and it was mooted that a new Labour leader could open the door for a change in the power-sharing pact between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats.

After retaining his position, Cllr Greenwood said: "We will be speaking to the leaders of other parties to determine what leadership arrangements can be made."

The Conservative group also held its annual meeting this week.

Re-elected Worth Valley councillor Kris Hopkins was voted back in as leader unopposed, as was chief whip Cllr Anne Hawkesworth. Deputy leader Cllr Dale Smith kept his position despite a challenge from Cllr Andrew Mallinson.

Cllr Hopkins said: "I am absolutely delighted to be re-elected unopposed and I am grateful for the support from the group over the last year."

The Liberal Democrat group will hold its annual meeting next week.