A FORMER Bradford MP is among the independent candidates running in this May’s local elections.

Fourteen candidates who are being supported by the Bradford Independent Group launched their campaign at an event in Bradford on Saturday.

Among them is David Ward, the former Bradford East MP and former councillor who once represented the Liberal Democrats.

A release by the candidates criticised the leadership of the local and national Labour group – particularly Sir Keir Starmer’s handling of the Gaza conflict.

The Bradford Independent Group currently holds four of the 90 seats on Bradford Council.

A release from the organisation said: “The candidates aim to send a clear message to both Keir Starmer and the Bradford Labour leadership. In the face of ongoing humanitarian concerns and growing local socioeconomic problems, they assert that the current leadership locally and nationally has failed to adequately listen to constituents and prioritise their needs.”

The release refers heavily to the conflict between Israel and Palestine, saying: “As of late December, 71 per cent of British voters were in favour of an immediate ceasefire. Despite this clear public sentiment, the Tories continue to be shielded from any significant pressure due to Starmer's backing.”

Referring to local issues, the release criticised the Labour Party in Bradford, referring to failing Children’s Services, health inequalities and the Council’s budget issues.

It adds: “The 14 independent candidates promise to prioritise the people of Bradford over party politics, ensuring greater community engagement and responsible management of taxpayer money.”

Mr Ward, who has previously been suspended from the Liberal Democrats for his comments on Israel, said: “In Bradford the votes for Labour have been taken for granted for too long. In the hands of the Labour Party the Council is close to being bankrupt and has failed our most vulnerable children – things have got to change.”

Ishtiaq Ahmed, former Bradford Independent councillor, who has also joined the group to contest the Heaton ward seat said: “The current state of affairs in Bradford under the Labour Party leadership is intolerable. From the financial instability of the council to the failure to protect our most vulnerable children, it is clear that change is needed.”

He said Sir Keir’s actions over the Gaza conflict have “led to a growing dissatisfaction among constituents who feel their votes have been taken for granted for too long.”

The candidates

Qamar Ahmed - Thornton and Allerton

Atira Rose Malik - Toller

Vasim Shabir - Keighley Central

Muhammed Ali Islam - Manningham

Rizwan Saleem - City Ward

Ishtiaq Ahmed - Heaton

Raj Bhatti - Windhill and Wrose

David Ward - Bolton and Undercliffe

Nick Peterken - Wibsey

Nagbea - Shipley

Ismail Hussain Siraji Uddin - Bowling and Barkerend

Shabnam Shabir - Keighley West

Mujtaba Ahmad - Clayton & Fairweather Green

Talat Sajawal - Little Horton Ward