'Let Labour leader be chosen by us'

Future Labour leaders of Bradford Council could face a district-wide poll of party members to win the top job.

A move by Queensbury ward members to change the system follows the ousting of former Labour leader John Ryan last May.

He lost the job to Ian Greenwood in the traditional secret ballot by the Labour group behind closed doors in City Hall.

Now Queensbury members want a vote for Labour Party members across the district to choose a leader for the Labour group which has a massive majority on the Council. But today the leader of the Council's Tory group, Coun Margaret Eaton, said she would have serious worries if a vote was taken by people who were not elected councillors.

The Queensbury move has not yet been discussed by the district Labour Party, which would need to approve it.

Delegates are currently unable to attend district party meetings because the ward has suspended its business in a row over allegations about Labour ward Coun Jack Womersley.

The regional Labour party says the allegations about planning issues are completely unfounded. The ward members who made the claims, George and Margaret Riseborough, have been recommended for expulsion by Bradford South Constituency Labour Party.

Today former Queensbury ward chairman Richard Price said: "I think the people who work and get those councillors elected should also get a say.''

Coun Greenwood said it would be inappropriate for him to comment.

But. Coun Ryan said: "I would have no fears over such a vote.''

Chairman of the district Labour Party Ram Saroop said it would be considered if the ward wanted to resubmit it.

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