A row has blown up between Bradford councillors over a "closed doors" decision to form an interim racial equality council.

It has been decided that the temporary service will be based in Bradford, with surgeries held twice a week in Keighley.

But the way the decision was taken in private has provoked the first serious row since Labour lost overall control of the Council in May.

The issue was put on the agenda of a special executive committee yesterday at the request of Labour group leader Councillor Ian Greenwood. He believes the decision was taken by leading Tory and Liberal Democrat councillors, but they say it was made legally by Council chief executive Ian Stewart and they merely advised him at a meeting - in line with standing orders.

Coun Greenwood's amendment that consultation should take place on the formation of the interim REC, and that there should be a commitment to retain a separate REC in Keighley, was defeated by the Tories and Liberal Democrats during the heated hour-long meeting.

Bradford Racial Equality Council - which had been funded by the Council and the national body - folded earlier this year amid an inquiry into alleged financial irregularities and an employment tribunal verdict that it had discriminated against a female worker.

Deputy Tory council leader Councillor Richard Wightman said the decision to form the interim REC had been taken in a normal way by the chief executive, using his delegated powers. His group and the Liberal Democrats had advised Mr Stewart after talks with the London-based Commission for Racial Equality.

But Coun Greenwood said: "The decision should have been taken by this executive. Arrangements for racial equality services have been a matter for concern. It is not appropriate that arrangements for an interim REC should be taken behind closed doors, in private and with no press present.''

Keighley REC had always been separate and - unlike the troubled Bradford organisation - there had never been a "suggestion of anything improper".

He added: "This isn't open politics. It's about trying to hide behind the structure. We don't accept that politicians should hide behind officers where difficult and unpopular decisions are made."

Coun Keith Thomson (Lab, Wibsey) said the private decision had been an error of judgement. "You have put this on a par with matters like dog fouling and bus stops," he said.

But Coun Wightman said: "The chief executive made the decision and had the views of politicians. He is allowed to do this under standing orders.''