A FORMER Lord Mayor of Bradford has resigned from the Labour Party a week after he was suspended over allegations of anti-Semitism.

Councillor Khadim Hussain, who serves the Keighley Central ward, said he would stand as an independent candidate in the May elections.

Cllr Hussain is alleged to have posted inappropriate messages on Facebook.

In a statement issued tonight, he said the allegations of anti-Semitism were "unfounded".

He said he had been left "disappointed and saddened" that the Party had not responded to a letter he had sent last week.

"I wrote  to the Labour Party on March 24th, outlining my position in response to the unfounded allegations of anti-Semitism.

"I am both disappointed and saddened that I did not receive any response or indeed any form of contact from the Labour Party despite my repeated attempts."

Cllr Hussain added: "I have served the people of Keighley and the Bradford district with dignity and respect. I will continue to play my role.

"With this in mind I today announce my decision to stand as an independent candidate in Keighley's central ward in  the forthcoming May elections."