Two members of the extremist British National Party have been criticised for calling a by-election only a month after the death of a sitting councillor.

Moira Crabtree, who held Bradford's Great Horton ward for the Tories, died at the age of 77 last month.

Tributes to the former nurse were paid by councillors representing all the Council's main political groups who agreed not to call an election yet out of respect for the family's feelings.

Election law enables any two residents to call an election in a ward where a seat becomes vacant.

James Breslin, an unsuccessful candidate in the May Council elections, and Michael Rainer, who nominated him, have used their right to call the by-election which will be held on Thursday, October 16. Notices will be posted in City Hall next week.

Mr Breslin was arrested just before the elections in May after an allegation of election irregularities was made. He was released on bail pending inquiries. A police spokesman confirmed today that an investigation into the allegations was continuing.

The chairman of Bradford South Conservative Association, Councillor Andrew Smith, said: "The actions of these two individuals shows no respect either for Moira Crabtree or her family.

"I have been liaising with the other political parties and Great Horton councillors. They agreed that they wouldn't call a by election out of decency and respect but to leave the calling of the by-election up to me so the wishes of Moira's family could be taken into account.

"It is only a month since the sad loss of Moira Crabtree and it is understandable that the family are still mourning the loss."

Paul Cromie, chairman of Bradford BNP, today apologised for causing any upset.

"If a seat is vacant a resident has a right to call a by-election. It was simply a political decision. There was no negative sensitivity. We apologise if anybody feels upset by this," he said.