Bradford Council's Labour Group has shelved plans for bringing in Westminster style cabinet rule to City Hall in May.

The move follows widespread concern that the public consultation exercise could have become a sham.

The group decided at its meeting behind closed doors last night not to go ahead until everyone in the district had been given the chance to have a say on its controversial plans.

And the council leader Ian Greenwood, who was heading the restructure, today pledged: "The people of Bradford will have their say."

The Telegraph & Argus has reported that large sections of the district have not yet received a questionnaire about controversial plans for options for the re-structure of Bradford Council.

An interim model, involving an all-Labour cabinet which would meet in secret, could have been in place by May if the original plan had gone ahead.

Neighbouring Kirklees and Calderdale Councils had widespread consultation before deciding to implement their interim cabinet.

Leader of the Council's Tory group Councillor Margaret Eaton has also contacted Local Government Minister Hilary Armstrong to raise concerns about public consultation and the one-party cabinet model.

But speaking after last night's meeting Councillor Greenwood said he was unaware of any approach to Mrs Armstrong and there had been no communication between them.

He said he had had discussions with Labour party headquarters which had been happy with interim proposals.

Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe said any new model for the city would have to be approved by the Government.

But some Labour sources who attended last night's meeting said a number of members were angry about the situation and had wanted to speak out but had not had the opportunity.

One source said it had been an "embarrassing climb-down for the leader".

Coun Greenwood said: "It was decided not to proceed with a decision as a result of the fact that everybody hasn't got a consultation document. We think, in view of the public concern, it would be inappropriate to continue. It was the strong view of the people present.

He said it would now be impossible to get a final decision taken at the Council annual general meeting and a new structure would be delayed.

But Coun Greenwood said it was hoped to proceed with a Council restructure as soon as possible afterwards and pledged to take notice of everything the public had to say.

He denied the move was a climb down and said: "I certainly would not describe recognising the fact that the public consultation should be done properly as a climb-down."

Deputy leader of the Tory Group, Councillor Richard Wightman said: "I still believe the consultation is a sham and I am deeply unhappy about it."

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