Labour 'wants power without responsibility'

The Labour members of Bradford Council will sit on the powerful Executive Committee but will not take portfolios - where leading members take responsibility for key services such as social services and education.

The criticism has been made by Tory Council leader, Councillor Margaret Eaton, as she discusses the future of the hung council with the Liberal Democrats.

Liberal Democrats' leader, Councillor Jeanette Sunderland, has put her group's priorities to the Tory, Labour and Green groups and has been awaiting their response.

Coun Eaton needs the backing of the Liberal Democrats to remain Council leader and the discussions between the groups will decide the way ahead this time.

Labour leader, Councillor Ian Greenwood has already said that Coun Sunderland can pick up the telephone if she wants to speak to him, but has not sent a written response.

In her letter to Coun Sunderland, Coun Eaton says her group wants to keep council tax down as far as possible and propose a full examination of expenditure across every council department.

She has written there is "very solid ground" for building an agreement between the two groups. The Tories also want agreement with the Liberal Democrats on a one-off investment of £150,000 in Information Technology Systems to modernise home care services. Both groups have said they want the authority to continue to work with an all-party executive which will take key decisions.

But today Coun Greenwood said: "We are not prepared to go through a charade pretending there is discussion and consultation when we all know they are going to come to a deal. This is shadow boxing for the benefit of the public."

Coun Sunderland said there was some common ground between the groups, including long term commitment to education, and meetings would be held on Monday. The decision on the leadership would be taken at the annual council meeting on Tuesday.